Tooling boards, also known as modeling boards, are used for creating durable bonds, models, prototypes, and reusable tools with the help of computer numerical control (CNC) machines. These boards are acknowledged for their high dimensional stability and superior strength along with low density.
Adoption of Low-Density Polyurethane Foams to Go Up
Polyurethane (PU) and epoxy are the primarily used materials for the manufacturing of tooling boards. Polyurethane is the more preferred material and is extensively used in CNC-machined molds and plugs. PU-based molds exhibit dimensional stability and accuracy in storage for a long time because they do not react with moisture and do not contract or shrink with time. In recent times, there is an increasing shift towards lower density polyurethane foam in order to improve economics. A flourishing composites market is anticipated to supplement the growth of the segment.
Epoxy finds application in prototyping and building precise patterns and buildings owing to properties such as high-temperature resistance, dimensional stability, high strength, and excellent surface finish. Surging demand for prototypes of Formula One cars and aircraft is likely to boost the use of epoxy in the manufacturing of tooling boards.
A recent trend that is rapidly gaining prominence is the utilization of machinable epoxy-based pastes that enable the application of PU foam with low density for the interior volume of a mold or plug. For instance, General Plastics offers LAST-A-FOAM® FR- 4700, a high-temperature tooling board line, which allows limited-run tooling in areas where using metal dyes is highly expensive. It is made up of an epoxy-hybrid material, which provides dimensional stability to polyurethane foams.
Market Insights
According to a report by Grand View Research Inc., the global tooling board market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.0% between 2017 and 2025. Spiraling adoption of prototyping techniques is expected to be one of the key growth stimulants of the market. Introduction of advanced technologies that use minimum resources to produce reliable and efficient prototypes is leading to increased uptake of prototyping techniques in industries such as marine, transportation, wind energy, and construction and architecture. Europe dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2016. The growth of the region can be attributed to the highly regulated environmental scenario compelling manufacturers to ensure development of sustainable products.
Some of the key players in the market are Axson Technologies, Huntsman Corp., OBO-Werke GmbH & Co. KG, Alro Steel Corp., and Coastal Enterprises.
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