moulding-additive-manufacture > Hand Lay Up

Hand Lay Up is a labour-intensive process, although it is the most common type of open moulding, it’s inexpensive due to the simple equipment it requires, it can be performed at home or in a dedicated workshop. The process itself is suited to small and large components, however, it is only appropriate for low to medium volumes.

The process involves placing fibres into the mould by hand and applying the resin by brush, roller or squeegee. It is crude but effective. Once the first layer of fibres is adequately wetted, additional layers of fibre can be added, and the wetting process can be performed again.

Core materials can also be added between layers of fibres to form a sandwich construction to provide extra stiffness if required.