The Mold Preparation process provides the following options:

By default in starting point VPEs, the cost model assumes that three coats of mold release are applied to the tool during mold preparation. Administrators can customize the default number of coats with the cost model variable defaultNumMoldReleaseCoats (3 in starting point VPEs). Users can override the default with this setup option. See also Routing and Feasibility for Composites.

This value drives cycle time, labor time, and additional direct costs (consumable material cost) for Mold Preparation—see Applying Mold Release Operation and Curing Mold Release Operation.

By default, the type of mold release agent to use for the current part is specified by the cost model variable Default Tool Material Name (Generic Semi-Permanent Release Agent in starting point VPEs). Users can override the default on a per-part basis with this setup option. The options are taken from the tool shop Tool Materials table for this process.

The release agent type drives consumable material costs as well as cure times—see Applying Mold Release Operation and Curing Mold Release Operation.

By default, the number of operators is specified by the machine property Number of Operators. With this setup option, users can override the default on a per-part basis.

Number of operators drives cycle time—see Mold Preparation Process.