large wing molds?

[charlieuk]

has any one got any info on how to make a mold for a large wing ie 3m panels? ive been considering using the origanal wing as the plug with some small modifications and than taking the mold of that.has anyone any sugestions?

[davidfee]

I think there would be a strong possibility of damaging your original wing if you try this. The layup on most molded wings is very light and even if the heat buildup from the molding process didn't damage it, demolding the wing from the new mold probably would. Those would be my fears. This has prevented me from trying it myself.

-David

[charlieuk]

but any ideas how is done.i might have to try it on a old wing first. i would like to know how they do the spliter plate on them as that is probably the hardest part.

[davidfee]

The splitter plate would be done the same as on any other part. You need a board with an appropriately shaped hole in it. For an example, you can see the "techniques" section of my website: members.cox.net/davidfee

Also search for R&G composites in Germany. They have a fantastic catalog/manual online.

-David

[charlieuk]

buy the way it wasnt a molded wing that i wanted to take a mold off it was a foam and vaneare wing.

[davidfee]

In that case, you'd be much less likely to hurt anything and I'd say go for it. :)

[sayno2glo]

You have to support the wing so it does not get warped during the mold making. If the wing has up curved winglets you have to use flexible plastic sheet and attach it with some kind of clay or beeswax.
/Antti

[charlieuk]

the wing would be for a dg600 with stright normal tip so that shouldnt be a problem.the tip panels also plug on so i might have a go at molding them first.
i ges i could use the joiner tubes in the root an tip to stop any twisting if not its goinging to be quite trickey i ges.any ideas?

ps has anyone got any ideas for somthing that i could use to seal a vac bag with that i might find in a diy store.