The performance parameters of composite material molds involve factors such as coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), service life, temperature resistance, and physical properties. Their CTE is close to that of the composite product being manufactured, which helps maintain dimensional accuracy during curing.
Service life varies significantly depending on the material system. Traditional glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GF/EP) molds can manufacture approximately 10 to 50 parts, while molds made with modern high-performance materials such as bismaleimide resin-based carbon fiber prepregs can withstand more than 300 curing cycles at temperatures as high as 175–180°C.
The range of curing temperatures they can withstand is wide, covering temperatures from low-temperature curing to over 200°C. The latest mold prepreg systems, such as HX90N, have very low CTE and excellent high-temperature resistance.
Furthermore, composite material molds generally have comprehensive advantages such as low density, low heat capacity, good repairability, and relatively low manufacturing costs.
