Ellsworth Tooling Solutions is the official UK distributor of RAMPF Composites and Tooling Solutions. Since our partnership began in June 2017, we have been distributing a comprehensive range of RAMPF’s tooling products such as board materials, pastes and close contour systems.
A German-based manufacturer, RAMPF is well established within the tooling sector and have been producing board materials for 40 years. As the world’s largest producer of styling, modeling, and working boards, they have solidified their reputation as market leaders thanks to their excellent product quality and diverse portfolio.
To celebrate the third year of our distribution partnership, we have put together the essential guide to their board materials.
Why choose RAMPF board materials?
There are several advantages to choosing RAMPF RAKU-TOOL board materials. They do not have a fiber structure like wood, allowing them to be machined easily and quickly. This allows for the boards to be modified as required based upon individual application requirements, and can also cut operating times and improve productivity. The diverse range of materials are available in varying thicknesses and densities, whilst still being relatively lightweight.
Additionally, the RAKU-TOOL board materials have particularly good dimensional stability and meet the highest quality standards. Our dedicated Ellsworth Tooling Solutions team are always on hand to provide comprehensive technical support.
What are the different kinds of board materials?
The RAMPF portfolio provides the complete package solution comprising of boards, matching adhesives and repair pastes.
Styling Boards (SB) – Styling Boards are semi-finished products which are made of polyurethane. The RAMPF RAKU-TOOL styling and design range includes board materials with densities of 0.08g/cm up to 0.47g/cm, making them suitable for both CNC machining and manual processing. The apricot-coloured board materials available in the range have become a firm favourite with customers. Typical applications for styling boards include negative molds for casting, supporting structures for pastes and NC program testing.
Modeling Boards (MB) – Rudolf RAMPF, founder of the RAMPF Group, produced the first polyurethane modeling board in the early 1980s, and these have been continuously produced and improved ever since. Modeling Boards are semi-finished products made of polyurethane and are available in densities ranging from 0.60g/cm to 0.72g/cm. They can be milled quick and easily on CNC machines, and in some cases, manually processed. Modeling boards offer fine surface finishes, excellent dimensional stability, and good chip formation. Typical applications for RAKU-TOOL modeling boards include master, cubing, and presentation models.
Working Boards (WB) – The largest range of boards in the RAMPF portfolio is their Working Boards. The semi-finished products are made of epoxy or polyurethane and have densities ranging from 0.69g/cm to 1.70g/cm. The epoxy working boards within the range are mainly used as lay-up tools for composites and are widely utilised in the automotive and aerospace industries. They offer a superior surface finish and can maintain tolerances even after being subject to temperature variations. RAMPF RAKU-TOOL working boards boast excellent dimensional stability and can be machined quickly and easily. Typical uses include metal forming, hammer forms and foundry patterns.
Board Adhesive – We also supply a range of RAMPF RAKU-TOOL board adhesives. The RAKU-TOOL adhesive range includes one and two component systems and are available with differing degrees of temperature resistance dependent upon the chosen application. The adhesives properties and, in some cases, colour are specifically matched to their corresponding board material to ensure a durable and long-lasting bond. RAKU-TOOL adhesive systems provide outstanding adhesion, excellent flow properties and cure rapidly at room temperature.
Unsure which board material or adhesive best suits your application requirements? RAMPF have a range of selector guides to help you choose.
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Browse our full range of RAMPF Board Materials
Ellsworth Tooling Solutions (previously John Burn Ltd) supply a wide range range of tooling materials. To speak to our dedicated Tooling Solutions customer service team, please call +44 0121 509 4144.