CHEMICALLY BONDED CERAMIC TOOLING FOR ADVANCED COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT The wide range of advanced composite forming methods has motivated the development of new tooling materials capable of surviving processing extremes. Chemically Bonded Ceramic (CBC) tooling media have been formulated to supply molds with the strength, durability and thermal properties required in these applications. These inorganic materials retain relatively low cost and fabrication times. They incorporate a wide range of aggregates, fibers and inserts, selected to provide tools with desirable thermal and physical properties. CBC tools have been successfully utilized to form parts at temperatures ranging from ambient to 1800° F and at pressures as high as 10,000 psi. Chemically Bonded Ceramic tooting media provide an innovative alternative when more traditional tooling materials lack stability, durability, heat transfer capabilities or formability. This paper presents an overview of some applications in which Chemically Bonded Ceramic tooling have been used, and compares these materials to other...