ACG says the new CB1100 tooling block offers high temperature resistance and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). It is compatible with ACG’s LTM® epoxy and HTM® bismaleimide (BMI) prepregs.
The CB1100 tooling block can be used as a master model. Machining times for CB1100 are said to be short and, because of its very low thermal expansion, CB1100 is also suitable to the production of high accuracy, short run and prototype tooling.
BMI tooling produced with a CB1100 core can be produced direct from the block. CB1100 blocks can be fabricated and machined to form a tool core, eliminating the need for a master model. The composite tool skin, laminated directly to the core, uses ACG’s patent pending interfacing technology. Due to the high thermal stability of the ceramic core, the tool skin can be cured in a single operation. The carbon tool skin is fully supported by the ceramic core so there is no need for a backing structure. The tool face is CNC-machined to create the final surface profile.
CB1100 does not absorb water so it does not require drying or subsequent venting of the tool, and it is incombustible.
ACG, headquartered in Heanor, UK, is part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc.
