Open Molding
The easiest and lowest cost of producing fiberglass composites, utilizes two processes, Hand Lay-up and Spray-up. Both processes use a one sided or open mold that we manufacture ourselves; molds are typically produced using polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy tooling resins. Parts molded in both of these processes can be gel-coated to provide an excellent show surface. In addition to different color gel-coats, parts can be pigmented to provide uniform color throughout the product.

Hand Lay-up
This process utilizes a one-sided mold, typically the cavity, where glass cloth, either chopped strand or continuous strand glass mat, is introduced into the cavity. Resin is then applied to the cloth and rolled out to achieve a uniform wet-out from the glass and to remove any trapped air. The part is then allowed to cure and removed from the mold. After removal, the part typically undergoes trimming to achieve the net shape desired. Parts that would be cosmetic in their end use would have a gel-coat applied to the mold surface prior to the lay-up to improve the surface and an unfinished, or non-smooth interior surface.

Spray-up
This process utilizes the same type of one sided mold, but instead of using glass cloth to produce the composite part, a chopper/spray system is employed. Glass yarns and resin feed the chopper/spray gun. The resin coated, chopped glass, which is approximately one inch in length, is sprayed into the mold and is then trimmed to the desired shape. Parts that would be used for cosmetic purposes in their end use would typically have a gel-coat applied to the mold surface prior to the resin coated glass being sprayed into the mold to improve the surface quality of the finished part. Parts produced from this process have a smooth outer surface and an unfinished, or non-smooth, interior surface.