Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is "Composite Material"?
A technical answer:
COMPOSITE: A homogeneous material created by the synthetic assembly of two or more materials (a selected filler or reinforcing elements and compatible matrix binder) to obtain specific characteristics and properties.
Composites are subdivided into classes on the basis of the form of the structural constituents:
- Laminar: Composed of layer or laminar constituents
- Particular: The dispersed phase consists of small particles
- Fibrous: The dispersed phase consists of fibers
- Flake: The dispersed phase consists of flat flakes
- Skeletal: Composed of a continuous skeletal matrix filed by a second material.
A simple answer:
COMPOSITE: A precise blending of two or more materials to create a new material that is stronger, lighter, and easier to work with than alternative materials such as metals and plastics.
Q: Why are ACM's boards better than the others?
ACM only uses the highest quality aerospace materials in our products.
Q: Why are ACM's tooling boards stronger than their competitors?
Every carbon fiber tooling board that we produce is made of intermediate modulus fiber. The inner layers are made of intermediate modulus unidirectional prepreg. The outer skins are made of intermediate modulus woven fabric. This makes our boards stronger and stiffer.
Q: Does ACM make there tooling boards with a wet layup method?
No. All of our boards and molded parts are made of aerospace prepreg.
Q: How does ACM cure their parts?
We have multiple methods of curing parts. For instance our tooling boards are cured at 100 psi using a hydraulic heated press. Our molded parts are cured in one of 3 autoclaves.