Flexible manufacturing approach for recyclable bio-based high performance composite molds - FutureMold

Project summary

Rationale / Needs to be addressed: Currently, moulds are used to produce plastic and composite parts in small batches that require a high level of manufacturing effort. GRP molds in particular require a high level of maintenance and wear out after a certain number of molded parts, resulting in a high proportion of disposable material. As a result, the carbon footprint and cost of the manufactured part are largely determined by the mould design, up to 25% depending on volume. Objectives: The main objective of the planned project is to develop a novel, resource- and cost-efficient method for manufacturing molds for FRP technologies. Potential applications: Production of lightweight FRP components for rail, marine, aerospace and agricultural machinery. Impact and potential benefits: The FutureMold approach can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of mold and component manufacturing by completely eliminating disposable materials or the use of solid steel blocks. Through a nov