Textbook Close-Out Sale!

We have re-launched our webstore! We have reduced our second edition textbook price to make way for the 3rd edition book releasing next year. Come get your textbook today here: Textbook | Abaris.

Here is a little info about our second edition textbook:

Advanced composite technology is constantly changing and embracing new developments daily, yet most of the basics needed to successfully design, fabricate and repair composite structures remain the same. Essentials of Advanced Composite Fabrication & Repair works as the perfect introductory textbook for beginners yet is also functional for the composite professional. It teaches the concepts and methods in a simple and straightforward way for a wide array of composite fundamentals, including fiber and matrix selection, molding methods, curing and achieving desired properties, tooling, testing and non-destructive inspection, step-by-step repair instructions and troubleshooting, key environmental, health and safety issues, and much more.

In Memory of Michael S. Meringolo

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Meringolo, our chief technical instructor, good friend, and valued colleague. Michael died on October 3rd, 2024 in Reno, Nevada.

Admired by our students, Michael was a very dedicated and talented artisan who could take an idea, present it to a group, and make it a reality in the workshop. He had a knack for simplifying complex concepts so that everyone could easily understand them – it was what made him a great instructor.  

Michael had numerous hobbies and interests including riding motorcycles and forging metal in his own furnace in his garage. He had made a windscreen and a set of saddlebags out of carbon fiber epoxy materials for his bike, using the skills he so freely shared with his students. He was a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and participated in many a ride to help children and families in our region. The group also supported holiday toy drives and other great community events.

Michael’s cheerful attitude, big smile, and kind heart combined with his endless sarcasm made him extremely likeable to everyone. He was easy going, thoughtful, and patient with his students – making learning fun. We will always remember Michael with a high level of fondness and esteem. Thank you, Michael for all that you have done for us – we are going to miss you dearly.  

Link to Abaris Facebook page with additional tributes to Michael.

Training in Composite Mold Fabrication for Production and Repair

Abaris has been offering advanced composite tooling training since 1989 and have updated our (M-6/R-7) Mold Fabrication course in recent years to best serve our customer needs. This course is offered three times per year in our Reno, Nevada facility in the spring, summer, and fall months so that everyone can find a good time to take this class.

Here are the course details:

Course Length: 5 days

Prerequisites:

M-1/R-1 Advanced Composite Structures: Fabrication and Damage Repair - Phase 1 course, or equivalent (5 year min) experience with advanced composite materials and processes.

(*Please contact Abaris for equivalency test criteria and evaluation.)

Summary:

This course is hands-on in nature and is designed for tooling engineers, tool designers, tool fabricators, or anyone else that has a desire to learn about designing and building molds and fixtures using advanced composite materials.

Introduction:

In this course the students will learn about tool design techniques that contribute to both dimensional stability and tool longevity. After discussing basic concepts in the classroom, the students are encouraged to apply these lessons in the workshop to see for themselves how simple ideas can greatly improve tool quality.

Molds and fixtures are fabricated in class from existing master models, patterns, or parts using the latest materials and techniques – using Toray/AmberTool® low-temp curing carbon prepreg materials for fabricating molds that can later be post-cured for use at elevated temperatures. 

Room temperature curing wet resins and dry fabrics are used for making intermediate transfer patterns and trim and drill type fixtures.

AmberTool® is a registered trademark of Toray.

Key Lecture Topics:

• The tooling family; from master model to molded part.

• Tool codes/designations.

• Prototype vs. production tooling.

• Making tooling from existing parts.

• Complex vs. simple geometries.

• Indexing and part to tool coordination.

• Realistic part and tool design tolerances.

• Thermal properties; Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE).

• Springback allowance.

• Integrated stiffening techniques.

• Backup structure materials and design.

• Damage prevention through design.

• Vacuum and pressure integrity issues.

• Lightweight tool-design concepts.

• Mold fabrication considerations: ply orientation and layup techniques.

• Tool repair materials and procedures.

• Permanent vacuum bags and semi-rigid caul tooling.

• Application of semi-permanent seal and release systems.

  
  

Workshop Exercises:

• Preparation of a master-model, permanent pattern, or an existing part for use in tool-laminate fabrication.

• Mockup fences and decks for molding stiffening flanges.

• Add indexes and other pertinent design features.

• Fabricating a carbon fiber mold using the latest low-temperature curing tooling prepreg from Toray Advanced Composites.

• includes bagging and cure processes and procedures.

• Fabricating glass-epoxy fixture laminates using wet-layup materials, methods and techniques (Time Permitting).

  
  

Please visit our “Downloads” page for current class schedules.

We hope to see you at our facility in Reno, NV in the near future!