A single surface mold is used. The molds are typically constructed using polyester resin and tooling gelcoat to achieve a high quality surface on one side of the part. Both processes normally begin with the application of gelcoat to the mold (photo 1). In hand lay-up, fiberglass mat or fabric is manually tailored to the mold surface. Catalyzed resin is then applied to the mat or fabric and it is placed onto the mold. Rollers and brushes are used to remove the air from the layered reinforcements (photo 2). In Spray-up, a chopper gun simultaneously deposits chopped fiberglass roving and catalyzed resin onto the gelcoat surface (photo 3). Once again, rollers and brushes are used to remove the air from the layered reinforcements (photo 2). After a period of time to allow the part to cure, it is demolded. Inexpensive tooling, complex shapes, specific area glass loading, core encapsulation, ribs and inserts are possible. Typical applications are prototypes, product design verification and low volume (10 - 1,500 / year) products.

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