1. Start with your production process

The product information describes two main uses:

• Filament winding: Pipe mandrels and cylinder tank molds work with a winding machine to make fiberglass pipes and tanks. The mold rotates while the winding machine winds the fiberglass onto it.
• Hand lay-up: Molds for fittings are mainly used in hand lay-up.

If you don't use either process, check with the supplier before you assume the tooling will suit your line.

2. Confirm the size range

If your tank diameter is above the workshop tank mold range, the published option is a mold built on site, not a steel workshop mold. Plan for that in your project scope.

3. Choose the pipe mandrel material

• Steel pipe mandrel: Published capability is a wall thickness of >=7 mm and a taper of +/-1.0 mm. If these figures matter to your process, confirm how they apply to your diameter and length.
• Steel + FRP pipe mandrel: According to the product description, this type can be used for longer because the steel structure gives strong support, and small defects in the FRP surface can be repaired.

If you expect long production runs and want to repair small surface defects, the steel + FRP option is worth asking about. The product information doesn't give numbers for service life, so ask the supplier about your expected usage.

4. Match the joint type

The published description says the pipe mandrel can produce these connection types:

• Plain ends
• Adhesive bonded
• Rubber seal lock joint and rubber seal joint
• Bell and spigot joint, etc.

State the joint type you need when you send your inquiry, especially if your end design is not on this list.

5. Review demolding and surface features

According to the product information, a smooth surface, a certain amount of taper and a demolding agent make demolding easier. This saves labor and time and improves product quality. The tooling is also described as accurate, not easy to deform and durable. Ask for the details behind these claims if you need them for your quality plan.

6. Consider special tooling

Besides the normal molds, contractile molds are also available. Other special molds can be made on request. If your part geometry doesn't fit a standard mandrel or fitting mold, describe it in detail in your request.

What this guide does not cover

The published material says the mandrels and molds conform to national standards, but it doesn't name a specific standard. It also doesn't include prices, lead times, certifications for the tooling, or tolerances for tank and fitting molds and steel + FRP mandrels. Confirm these directly with the supplier before you buy. They are not guaranteed here.

Buyer checklist for Mandrels and Molds

1. Process: filament winding or hand lay-up
2. Required DN size, and whether it is within the published range
3. Mandrel material: steel or steel + FRP
4. Tolerance needs compared with the published steel mandrel figures
5. Joint or connection type
6. Need for contractile or other special molds
7. Standards, pricing and delivery to confirm in writing