초록 ▼

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming composite material components that have relatively complex surfaces. Currently such components are very expensive to manufacture because forming them requires a good deal of time and hand working of the material. In the system of the invent

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming composite material components that have relatively complex surfaces. Currently such components are very expensive to manufacture because forming them requires a good deal of time and hand working of the material. In the system of the invention, a flexible membrane (38) is heated to a forming temperature. Composite material (70) is laid on membrane (38) and heated evenly by contact with membrane (38). Fluid pressure is applied to membrane (38) to force membrane (38) and material (70) upwardly against a mold surface. While it is urged against the mold surface, material (70) flow forms to the shape of the mold surface. Preferably, the mold surface and membrane (38) are rotated about a horizontal axis approximately 180°to position the mold surface below membrane (38) before the fluid pressure is removed to allow membrane (38) to move out of contact with material (70).

대표청구항 ▼

A method of forming into a desired shape composite material that includes a matrix material which is reinforced with a fibrous material and which has a critical cure temperature, comprising: positioning a mold surface generally above and spaced from and facing a flexible membrane; heating the membra

A method of forming into a desired shape composite material that includes a matrix material which is reinforced with a fibrous material and which has a critical cure temperature, comprising: positioning a mold surface generally above and spaced from and facing a flexible membrane; heating the membrane to a forming temperature at which the matrix material will flow into the desired shape and which is below the critical cure temperature of the matrix material; laying the composite material on the membrane, and allowing the matrix material to be heated evenly by contact with the membrane; when the matrix material has been heated to said forming temperature, applying fluid pressure to the heated membrane opposite the mold surface to force the membrane and the material thereon to move upwardly into contact with and against the mold surface; while maintaining the fluid pressure, allowing the matrix material to flow and the composite material to take the desired shape; and then removing the fluid pressure from the membrane to allow the membrane to move out of contact with the composite material.