What Is RTM Tooling?
Engineered for Complex Composite Structures
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a closed-mold process used to manufacture high-strength, lightweight composite parts. Weber designs and manufactures precision RTM molds in aluminum, P20 steel, and NVD nickel, supporting both high-pressure and out-of-autoclave (OOA) applications. Our tooling is trusted by Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs in aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors.
Weber’s RTM Expertise
With decades of experience in mold manufacturing, Weber has produced RTM tooling for:
- Aerospace jet engine components (e.g., Pratt F117-PW-100 jet fan splitters)
- Large structural assemblies like Class A exterior panels and acoustic panels
- Lightweight auto body panels for OEMs such as Rolls-Royce, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz
- U.S. military truck hoods with out-of-autoclave, fluid-heated mold designs
Key Features & Capabilities
Capability
Materials
Shell construction
Heating systems
Surface finish
Part size support
Insert integration
Thermal control
Details
Aluminum, P20 steel, Invar, NVD nickel shells
10–15 mm NVD nickel shell, welded to steel frames
Integrated fluid lines for heating/cooling—no external ovens required
Class A surface capability with conformal temperature distribution
Up to ~100” square, 30″ deep components
Perimeter inserts for undercuts, openings, and edge wrapping
Built-in vacuum lines, thermocouples, and manifolds
Application Examples
Aerospace
- RTM tools for jet fan splitters and engine housings
- Polyimide tooling for F414 engine fairings
- Fluid-heated molds for out-of-autoclave composite curing
Automotive
- 10mm NVD shell RTM molds for Class A carbon fiber panels
- Integrated vacuum, thermal, and swing-out systems for multi-cavity production
- Repeated shell replication for matched mold sets from a single mandrel
Defense
- Resin infusion tools for large military components
- Conformal thermal control for VBO (Vacuum Bag Only) processes
Advantages of Weber RTM Tooling
Faster Processing: Fluid-heated tools eliminate the need for external ovens
Weight & Efficiency: NVD nickel shells reduce mold weight and press force requirements
Repeatability: Multiple identical molds made from a single precision mandrel
Flexibility: Tools designed for use in or out of autoclave, clean room staging, or press-cure environments
Award-Winning Innovation: Recipient of multiple tooling innovation awards
Tooling Types We Support
- RTM Molds with fluid-heated or self-heated designs
- Layup molds with integrated vacuum systems
- Hybrid tooling with steel/NVD construction
- Large cavity and deep-draw molds for complex part geometry
- Bonding fixtures, drill fixtures, and inspection tooling (built in-house)