EC! is a big how-to “book” about building with composites: tooling, materials, laminating and equipment. I’m writing it in place because it’s more fun that way – and it’s far from complete. Check it out and let me know what you think.
The site is currently organized into Articles, Library, Directory and Community sections. There’s a YouTube channel, Instagram and Discord for forum-like discussion. Scroll down for a Table of Contents!
Suggestions
New Things
- Article: Guide to Mold Release Systems
- Video: Laminate Sample #47: Infused Recycled Carbon Plate
- Library: Process Material Reference
Popular Things
- How to Use MDF for Composites Tooling
- Troubleshootin’ Vacuum Infusion
- Basic Numbers and Calculations for Composites
Newsletter
Table of Contents
Safety
- Respirators and Breathing Safely
- Epoxy Sensitization and You
- Health Impacts of Styrene Exposure
- Not Cutting Yourself
Business and Operations
Design for Composites
- Questions to Ask First
- Composite Manufacturing Methods
- Introduction to Types of Tooling
- Basic Numbers and Calculations for Composites (NEW / WIP)
- About Thermoset Resins (WIP)
- Introduction to Cored Composite Structures
- Composites Details: Edges, Holes and Joints (WIP)
Tooling
- Introduction to Types of Tooling
- Guide to Mold Release Systems (NEW)
- Machinable Tooling Boards
- How to Use MDF for Composites Tooling
- Building Big with Tooling Paste
- Building Open-Molded Production Tooling
- Adhesive Teflon – It’s Awesome
Lamination
- Mixing Resin
- Introduction to Vacuum Bagging
- Laminating with Pre-pregs
- Troubleshooting Prepregs (NEW)
- Introduction to Vacuum Infusion (WIP)
- Troubleshootin’ Vacuum Infusion
- Process Material Reference (NEW)
- Slip Joints and Why You Need Them!
- Laminating Tubes on Mandrels (WIP)
Tools and Equipment
- Favorite Composites Tools (WIP)
- Oven Options for Pre-preg Curing
- How to Choose a Vacuum Pump for Composites
- Vacuum Stuff: Hoses, Fittings and Accessories
- Measuring Temperature with Thermocouples
- How to Log Vacuum
- My Guide to Buying a CNC Router
- Router Cutters for Composites
CNC
- Introduction to CNC Machining Surfaces
- Guide to Buying a CNC Router
- Carbide and Diamond Cutters for Composite Machining (NEW / WIP)
- Machining Aluminum on a CNC Router
- Fixturing with 5 Minute Epoxy and “Cradles”
- My 5-Axis Router Retrofit (NEW)
3D Printing
- Long-fiber Composites 3D Printing in 2019
- Markforged Mark 2: My Impressions
- Video: My Big 3D Printer Experiment!
Product Tests and Demos
Library
- Laminate Sample Index
- Reinforcement Fiber Reference
- Core Material Reference
- Process Material Reference
Thanks for checking it out!
