Polyurethane Test Molds

As Globe Composite Solutions expanded its polyurethane product line, the engineering team needed test molds to evaluate new material formulations and process changes before committing to full-scale production tooling.

I was responsible for developing the complete testing system, from initial design through manufacturing, procurement, assembly, and implementation.

The project required six identical test molds capable of repeatedly producing consistent engineering samples. A primary constraint required a 12" × 12" × 2" steel block to cure directly alongside the polyurethane material during each pour.

I incorporated the curing block into the design while ensuring the molds were durable, easy to operate, and suitable for daily production testing.

I integrated lifting handles to improve operator safety and created detailed manufacturing drawings for fabrication. I led engineering design reviews, collected feedback, and refined the design before release.

I contacted multiple machining and coating vendors to compare pricing, capabilities, and lead times, while coordinating with purchasing, finance, shipping, and manufacturing to keep the project moving.

Once all parts arrived, I personally assembled and inspected all six molds, verified fit and sealing, and prepared them for production use.

I also sourced a heavy-duty rolling table, drilled and mounted each mold directly to its surface, and created a stable test station that prevented movement during operation.

The completed molds entered production successfully, sealed without leakage, met the required specifications, and continue to support daily polyurethane testing.

Before the end of my co-op, I also prepared three additional molds for the next production phase so the testing capacity could expand as manufacturing continued to ramp up.