We produce the first composite component using autoclave technology from a 3D-printed mould

Connova Group has teamed up with the two partner companies Caracol (IT) and Formbar (CH) to investigate the possibilities of a 3D printed mold in a joint R&D project. For this purpose, the Connova Group provided the 3D data of the nose structure from an ongoing drone project. Caracol then used this data to design and print the mould on the HERON AM platform – an innovative, modular 3D printing system for large-scale applications that uses polymer and composite pellets. The innovation lies precisely in this choice of material, which allows this mould to be used in an autoclave at a temperature of 130°C and a pressure of 6 bar.

Before the mould could be used at the Connova Group, the corresponding mould surface had to be machined at Formbar, which has large yet precise CNC milling machines for this purpose. Only then were the composite specialists at the Connova Group able to produce the component using the classic prepreg/autoclave process. For the very first component made from a 3D-printed mould, the component looks surprisingly good!

And this can currently be seen at the JEC World 2024 in Paris at the company’s stand. Watch Caracol!