Study on Accuracy of Angled Advanced Composite Tools

Abstract During recent years high quality advanced composite tools (ACTs) have been introduced to the growing market of tooling for composite components. Since ACTs are used for high precision composite parts, distortion to a certain degree in the tool may render the parts useless. Trial-and-error in making or remaking accurate ACTs is time-consuming and expensive. This paper is devoted to the study of accuracy in ACTs with different slanted angles. Five angles with both convex and concave characteristics are investigated. The results show that the warp angle decreases with increasing mold angle. This is due to the different degree of mold angle and the volume fraction gradient. The warp at each slanted angle can be accurately predicted based on an analytical equation. To overcome the tendency of shape warpage, by means of an asymmetric doubler or insert in angle corners, a proper amount of asymmetry is implemented which successfully improves ACT shape accuracy.