Composite parts manufacturing
Print tools for composite parts in a fraction of the time it takes to manufacture or procure traditional tools.
Simplify the production of composite parts
3D printing offers a flexible method for manufacturing composite tools that takes significantly less time than traditional methods.
The design freedom and tool-free nature of 3D printing means that composite layering tools can be printed in hours or days, regardless of geometry. They are lightweight and, depending on the material used, can withstand autoclave curing. Compare this to heavy, traditional tools that can take months to procure.
Dissolvable, disposable tools simplify the production of hollow composite parts by avoiding tool jamming. After the composite cures, the 3D printed tool dissolves, creating one-piece, seamless structures.
Benefits of 3D printing for composite tooling
- Shorter lead times: tools ready in days instead of weeks or months.
- Cost-effectiveness: fewer complex shapes and additional tools.
- Design flexibility: complex geometries, fast iteration.
- Performance: tools suitable for high thermal and mechanical loads.
- Simplified process: less risk with sacrificial tools.
- Rapid development: accelerated cycle from prototypes to production.
Printers most relevant to the application
FDM F900®
High capacity, high performance materials, ideal for composite tools.
Fortus® 450mc
F900 capabilities in a more compact chassis/smaller footprint.
Neo® (SLA)
Simple, robust design, open source support, high reliability and availability.
Do you have any questions?
Our experts will help you find the ideal 3D printing solution.
Use the benefits of additive manufacturing without investment with Varinex Direct services!
In our 3D Digital Factory, we are at your disposal with various additive technologies for 3D printing and 3D scanning.
Traditional approach vs. 3D printing
3D-printed composite tools offer manufacturers an alternative to the time and cost constraints of traditional tools.
Industries
Virtually any industry that manufactures products can benefit from 3D printing.
Aerospace:
rapid iteration, minimal cost and schedule impact.
Automotive industry:
Shorter production times with 3D-printed composite molds.
Consumer goods:
wide range of tools also for composite structures.
“Additive manufacturing has not only drastically shortened the preform tool run, but has also accelerated the entire composite molding process.”
— Javier García, Wehl & Partner.
Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Printing
Composite tools include molds, templates, and fixtures used to shape and process composite materials such as carbon fiber. 3D printing allows manufacturers to make these tools faster, cheaper, and with greater design flexibility than traditional machining.
3D-printed tools significantly reduce:
- Production time – from weeks to days
- No material waste – no subtractive machining
- The weight of the tools – easier handling, better ergonomics
- They also enable rapid iteration and custom geometry without tooling conversions
FDM® – Large, heat-resistant tools made of durable thermoplastics
SLA – Smooth, high-resolution tools and masters, ideal for surface-critical applications
In most cases, composite tools can be printed in a matter of days, compared to weeks with traditional machining. This helps speed up the manufacturing process, reduce downtime, and improve responsiveness to design changes.
Ideal applications:
- Layering molds for hand or vacuum formed composites
- Cutting and drilling tools
- Assembly tools and templates
- Sample tools for forming composite parts
Identify applications where time, cost, or complexity are a barrier. Then consult with a Varinex expert to learn about printable designs and decide whether FDM® or SLA best suits your tooling needs.