Composite master patterns and mould tools

We machine master patterns and  direct mould tools from epoxy board, polyurethane board and foam, up to 3.6 metres, held to 0.2 mm and finished to 2 µm Ra.

5-axis CNC machining a large tooling board pattern at Shape

Every part off the tool carries whatever the pattern got wrong, so this is work that has to be right first time. Every job is programmed in CATIA, simulated in VERICUT, and inspected against your CAD on a Creaform MetraSCAN before it ships.

Where we fit

Most of our customers are composite manufacturers who lay up and cure in-house but do not want to carry 5-axis pattern capacity of their own. We cover the machining end of that process and we are used to working to someone else's programme dates.

What we make

  • Master patterns and styling bucks.
  • Splash tools and direct mould tools.
  • Jigs, fixtures and check fixtures on the same datums as the tool.
  • Matched pattern, tool and core sets from one supplier.

Specification

Maximum envelope
3.6 m x 2.6 m x 0.8 m
Tolerance
0.2 mm
Surface finish
To 2 µm Ra
Machines
CMS Ares 3626 x3, CMS Antares 2615 x2, Dugard Eagle 1000
Capacity
108 machine-hours per day
Inspection
Creaform MetraSCAN BLACK|Elite, 0.025 mm
Quality system
ISO 9001

Sectors

Motorsport and Formula 1, aerospace, defence, automotive, marine and energy.

Common questions

How quickly can you quote?

Straightforward parts usually come back the same day. Allow up to a week where the geometry or the fixturing needs more thought.

Can you supply the core as well as the tool?

Yes. Pattern, mould tool and machined core can all come from us, cut on the same datums and inspected on the same system.

Do you provide inspection evidence?

Yes. We can supply a colour deviation map from the Creaform scan against your CAD.

Send your CAD for a quote

Send a STEP file with your datum scheme and finish requirement.

Get a quote