The VEC System is Your Choice for Precision.

  • Parts Design
  • Floating Mold
  • Vec Cell
  • Solution Center
  • Engineering
  • Patterns & Molds

    • Patterns and Molds

    As part of the operating system, VEC's Pattern and Tooling Departments utilize the latest technology to deliver superior quality and dimensionally stable patterns and molds. VEC's quality is unsurpassed in the composites industry. VEC Composite Technology has designed and produced patterns and tools for industrial equipment, agricultural, and transportation industries. CNC patterns have been cut up to 750 square-feet in surface area.

    No project is too small or too large. Let us prove it to you!

    VEC's Pattern Department has a PAR XR225 5-axis router with the current envelope size of 30-feet long by 15-feet wide and 6-feet of vertical travel. Pattern surface area is not limited to the current envelope. With the assistance of the FARO Tracker Laser System, larger projects can be undertaken since this equipment allows us to precisely index several sections to within 0.020 inches.

    VEC's Pattern and Engineering Departments have the latest CAD/CAM and translation software as follows:

    • I-deas
    • Unigraphics
    • Pro-E
    • Para Solid XT
    • Solid Edge
    • Mastercam
    • IGES

    Our experienced CNC Programmers and associates can take the customer-supplied CAD model in any of the above formats and translate it to the PAR 5-axis router; we then supply you with an accurately cut pattern with enhanced stability and accuracy within the accepted time frame. These CAD models can be readily transmitted over the web, which reduces turnaround time.

    Par 5-axis router

    If a CAD model is not available, we can use our Faro Tracker Laser System to reverse engineer your part from a prototype part. VEC engineers can then assist you in creating a clean model that can be further enhanced and modified for the cutting process.

    A typical pattern consists of a precision crafted base that is coated with dimensionally stable polyurethane foam. The foam's cure rate and cross-link density are regularly evaluated using the Differential Scanning Calorimeter to ensure sufficient cure and dimensional stability. The foam is then reinforced with a fiberglass layer. At each process step, quality parameters are monitored and equipment calibrations performed to provide the most optimum material properties. The glass layer is then coated with a core material and finish-milled to the exact dimensions. Then the core is finished with a polyester based primer and sanded.

    Other methods for plug construction are also available including:

    • REN shape tooling and high temperature work board
    • Block foam in density range of 10-20 pound polyurethane block foam