The open molded fiberglass hood is a popular solution for large, contoured components in the transportation industry—especially in applications like buses, trucks, and specialty vehicles. One of the key reasons fiberglass is the preferred material is the significantly lower tooling cost compared to other molding processes. This is especially important for large parts that feature compound curves, complex surfaces, or molded-in details. Open molding allows manufacturers to produce durable, cost-effective hoods without investing in expensive, multi-cavity tooling systems.

An additional benefit of using an open molded fiberglass hood is the material flexibility it offers. The type and quality of fiberglass reinforcement—such as chopped strand mat, woven roving, or multi-axial fabrics—can be selected based on the strength, weight, and cost requirements of the project. This customization enables design engineers to fine-tune performance characteristics, ensuring long-term durability with minimal added weight. This is particularly advantageous in industries where reducing vehicle weight can lead to increased fuel efficiency and improved overall performance.

The open molding process also provides flexibility in integrating functional features into the hood. Structural brackets, reinforcing ribs, hinge mounts, and other hardware can be mechanically fastened, laminated in place, or bonded to the backside of the part during or after the molding process. These additions enhance both the strength and usability of the hood, allowing for seamless assembly with surrounding vehicle components.

Arrowhead specializes in producing high-quality open molded fiberglass hoods and similar components, offering engineering support, in-house tooling, and precision manufacturing to meet your unique project requirements. Whether you need a single custom prototype or a low-to-medium production run, open molded fiberglass offers the versatility, cost savings, and performance you’re looking for.