TOOLING COMPENSATION

Expert Guidance

Distortions are irreparable defects in the composite production process. Tool compensation makes the final part match the designed shape of the part by modifying the tool surface, which depends on the exact size of the cure shrinkage.

During cool-down and removal from the tool curved composite laminates distort as a result of mismatch between the through-thickness and the in-plane thermal expansion coefficients, as well as a result of the complex cure shrinkage mechanisms taking place in the early stages of cure.

​LMAT’s numerical solution provides smooth compensated surfaces which can be directly used by the CNC machines. Parts cured on our molds are in tight geometrical tolerances, lowering assembly cost and scrap.