TOOL FORMED OF PRESSED POWDERED CERAMIC MATERIAL FOR USE IN FORMING MOULDED ARTICLES

摘要

A tool (10) for use in forming moulded articles, comprising a tool body (12) formed of a ceramic material, preferably porous with a porosity of between 40% and 60% and in the form of a foam. The tool body (12) is profiled to define the mould surface(s) of the tool (10). The outer surface (11) of the tool (10) can be sealed with epoxy sealant to provide the mould surface(s) of the tool. An elastomeric layer (16) can be applied to the surface(s) of the tool body (12) and a resinous material (14), such as a fibre reinforced material, applied to the elastomeric layer (16), wherein the elastomeric layer (16) inhibits the movement of resin from the resinous layer (14) into the porous ceramic body, and the resinous layer (14) defines the mould surface.