These are the new production moulds for Maccaferri Concert/Grande Bouche/Petite Bouche sides. This time I made sure that I specified that the CNC cutter follow the outside of the path(!!!) so the final dimensions are correct for the F. Charles plans. I machined numerous weight saving slots in the internal layers but the moulds are still very solid and reasonably heavy. I have attached velcro straps to hold the lay up in position whilst coming under pressure and the surface of the mould and the under side of the caul are both covered in aluminium tape to reflect the heat into the lamination. Both then have a layer of PTFE glass cloth to present a completely non stick surface to both sideso f the glued lay up. The process I follow involves 10 minutes of cold pressure prior to turning on the heater pads. This ensures that the layers of veneer have ample time to fully conform to the mould shape and for the adhesive to be properly forced into the surfaces of the veneer before it is cured by the heater pads. The heater pads are then t

urned on for approx 20 minute, reaching a temperature of around 70-80°C (no fear of catching fire here!). The heat is then turned off and the moulds allowed to cool for 20-30 minutes, still under pressure, before being removed from the press.