COMPOUND TOOLING FOR CONTROLLED WORK SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

A tool is disclosed for forming an article in a molding operation. The tool includes a first layer with a forming surface for forming the article. The first layer is formed from a first material having a hardness or corrosion resistance sufficient for the forming operation. The second layer is affixed to the first layer for collectively forming a tool body. The second layer is formed from a second material having different material properties than that of the first material, and the second material has sufficient structural integrity for withstanding stresses of the tool body during the forming operation. A tool is also disclosed having a series of laminate sheets collectively providing a portion of the tool body. Another sheet is affixed to the laminate sheets with a homogenous forming surface for forming the article in the molding operation.