Editing Composite material (section)

===Overview of mould===
The reinforcing and matrix materials are merged, compacted, and cured (processed) within a mould to undergo a melding event. The part shape is fundamentally set after the melding event. However, under particular process conditions, it can deform. The melding event for a [[thermoset polymer matrix]] material is a curing reaction that is caused by the possibility of extra heat or chemical reactivity such as an organic peroxide. The melding event for a thermoplastic polymeric matrix material is a solidification from the melted state. The melding event for a metal matrix material such as titanium foil is a fusing at high pressure and a temperature near the melting point.

It is suitable for many moulding methods to refer to one mould piece as a "lower" mould and another mould piece as an "upper" mould. Lower and upper does not refer to the mould's configuration in space, but the different faces of the moulded panel. There is always a lower mould, and sometimes an upper mould in this convention. Part construction commences by applying materials to the lower mould. Lower mould and upper mould are more generalized descriptors than more common and specific terms such as male side, female side, a-side, b-side, tool side, bowl, hat, mandrel, etc. Continuous manufacturing utilizes a different nomenclature.

Usually, the moulded product is referred to as a panel. It can be referred to as casting for certain geometries and material combinations. It can be referred to as a profile for certain continuous processes. Some of the processes are [[autoclave moulding]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Autoclave molding - CSIR - NAL |url=https://www.nal.res.in/en/techniques/autoclave-molding |access-date=2020-12-18 |website=www.nal.res.in |archive-date=2020-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805185436/https://www.nal.res.in/en/techniques/autoclave-molding |url-status=live}}</ref> [[vacuum bag moulding]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Vacuum bag moulding - CSIR - NAL |url=https://www.nal.res.in/en/techniques/vacuum-bag-moulding |access-date=2020-12-18 |website=www.nal.res.in |archive-date=2020-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806182059/https://www.nal.res.in/en/techniques/vacuum-bag-moulding |url-status=live}}</ref> [[pressure bag moulding]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Pressure Bag Moulding |url=https://netcomposites.com/glossary/pressure-bag-moulding/ |access-date=2020-12-18 |website=NetComposites |language=en-US |archive-date=2020-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110153732/https://netcomposites.com/glossary/pressure-bag-moulding/ |url-status=usurped}}</ref> [[resin transfer moulding]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Resin Transfer Moulding Processes - CSIR - NAL |url=https://www.nal.res.in/en/techniques/resin-transfer-moulding-processes |access-date=2020-12-18 |website=www.nal.res.in |archive-date=2020-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806182447/https://www.nal.res.in/en/techniques/resin-transfer-moulding-processes |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[light resin transfer moulding]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Light Resin Transfer Molding : CompositesWorld |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/knowledgecenter/closed-molding/closed-mold-process/resin-transfer-molding#:~:text=Light%20Resin%20Transfer%20Molding,%20or,side%20mold%20using%20vacuum%20pressure. |access-date=2020-12-18 |website=www.compositesworld.com |archive-date=2014-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722234324/https://www.compositesworld.com/knowledgecenter/closed-molding/closed-mold-process/resin-transfer-molding#:~:text=Light%20Resin%20Transfer%20Molding,%20or,side%20mold%20using%20vacuum%20pressure. |url-status=live}}</ref>