Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    CMPST

 Course #:    220

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    6.5

 CIP:    150607

 EPC:    827

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

In-depth study of the process of making molds and plugs, and hands-on work manually building plugs and molds (A-side, rigid B-side and silicon B-side molds) for the production of composite parts. Explores the theory and application of tooling for the composite industry using various forms of materials. Application of proper methods of designing and creating plugs/molds, and the theory and selection of surface mediums are used in the building of plugs and molds.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: CMPST 121 and 123 with a "C-" or higher.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 22

Lab: 66

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree, Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Distinguish the difference between, and the purposes of, female and male molds.
2. Describe the process of plug and mold making.
3. Demonstrate industry surface finishes applications in plug construction.
4. Compare and contrast forms of medium used in plug construction.
5. Make a full size plug, finishing with various mediums current to industry standards, from a scaled drawing using manual method.
6. Create a lay-up schedule and a mold from a plug.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. Purposes of female and male molds.
2. Design considerations for making a plug/mold.
3. Process of plug and mold making, i.e. Open molding; Vacuum Infusion Molding; Closed Cavity Bag Molding (CCBM); and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).
4. Industry surface finishes in plug construction.
5. Forms of medium used in plug construction.
6. Cost estimate of plug, mold and part for composite production.
7. Full size plug from a scaled drawing using manual method and using a 5 axis router.
8. Application of tooling gel coat. Lay-up schedule, design, and build molds.
9. Designing and build a support structure to capture the mold.
10. Preparing the mold for use, maintenance of molds and repair of molds.