Open mold is the most versatile and economical molding method. Ideal for all shapes and sizes. Due to its versatility, open molding can be utilized to serve practically all markets.
HAND LAY-UP
Hand Lay-Up is an open molding process that consists of utilizing mats of fiberglass that are hand laid within the mold, resin is then applied in the desired amount by hand. This detailed process makes it ideal for complex parts and customized structural needs. Some of the benefits of this type of fiberglass manufacturing include: low tooling cost, parts that can be produced to close tolerances, parts that are smooth on one side, typically used for pilot/prototype, and low production quantities.
- Complex Components
- Varied Part Size – Very Small to Very Large
- Multi-piece Tooling
- Low-Cost Prototypes
- Low Tooling Costs
- Allows for Die locks & Reverses
- Ideal for Low Volume Parts (less than 1,000 per year)
- Minimum Radius – 6mm (.236 in)
- Minimum Draft – 2 degrees
- Minimum Thickness – 3 mm (.118 in)
- Maximum Thickness – Unlimited
- Typical Reinforcement Loading – 33%
- Density – 1578 lg/m3 (.057 lb/in3)
SPRAY-UP
Spray-Up open molding is the most common method in the open mold process. This process utilizes a chop gun to simultaneously spray the fiberglass, catalyst, and resin at the required thickness on the mold. Some of the benefits of this type of fiberglass manufacturing include: low tooling cost, typically lower part cost, and parts that are smooth on one side and can be used for low and medium production quantities.
- Complex Components
- Varied Part Size – Very Small to Very Large
- Multi-piece Tooling
- Low-Cost Prototypes
- Low Tooling Costs
- Allows for Die locks & Reverses
- Ideal for Low Volume Parts (less than 2,000 per year)
- Minimum Radius – 6mm (.236 in)
- Minimum Draft – 2 degrees
- Minimum Thickness – 3 mm (.118 in)
- Maximum Thickness – Unlimited
- Typical Reinforcement Loading – 33%
- Density – 1578 lg/m3 (.057 lb/in3)
