Making a mould

[pfreeman]

I would like to make a mould of a very expensive part made from out of carbon fibre.

 

I was going to do one of two things....

 

1. Cover the part in cling film, apply a release agent (?) and then cover it in fibre glass matting with epoxy etc to make the mould.

 

2. Cover the part in cling film and then place it in plaster of paris.

 

If anyone has done similar could they please let me know which is the best way of doing this.

 

Also where can I get the kit needed to do it.

 

Ultimatley I would like to make the copy part out of carbon fibre but as I've never done anything like this, any help is appreciated. Do I need to use 'pre-preg' carbon fibre, do I need to use a vacuum bag, what it a vacuum bag !!

 

The part doesn't take any load so it doesn't need to be strong.

 

Any help gratefully appreciated.

 

Many thanks,

 

Paul.

[EFA]

Paul,

 

Drop me an email offline and let me know what part you are trying to make.

 

I may have a tool for it already!

 

Cling film is not the way to go!

 

Arnie Webb

The Fat Bloke blush.gif in a Fast Reliable Vauxhall wink.gif

 

See the R500 eater here

See the Le Mans Trip Website here

[pfreeman]

Arnie,

 

I've mailed you at the email address from your posting header - is this the one ?

 

Cheers,

 

Paul.

[DonkeyDave]

I tried plaster of paris and failed, you may have more luck - you need so much!

Mr Sheen makes an adequate release agent BTW

[StewartG]

What part are you making you might be able to sell some amongst club members.

[allen]

You can use wax, but this must not contain any silicone.

 

PVA release agent is probably the way to go - spray on 2 or 3 light coats, it forms a thin plastic coat on the original (it is water based and will wash of later). Mould should be made in standard GRP, i.e. clear gel coat, polyester resin impregnated glass matting.

 

See if you have a local Strand Glass, or GRP supplies outlet, Strand used to do DIY guides & sell small quantities.

 

Regards,

 

Allen