초록 ▼

A method of forming a caul plate (14) for use in producing a composite honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). The uncured honeycomb core sandwich panel (27) is laid-up on a lay-up mandrel (20). An inner bagging film (28) is then extended over the uncured honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). Tooling prep

A method of forming a caul plate (14) for use in producing a composite honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). The uncured honeycomb core sandwich panel (27) is laid-up on a lay-up mandrel (20). An inner bagging film (28) is then extended over the uncured honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). Tooling prepreg sheets (34) are extended over the inner bagging film (28), and a outer bagging film (40) is extended over the tooling prepreg sheets (34). Reduced vacuum is applied to the inner bagging film (28), and full vacuum is applied to the outer bagging film (40). The tooling prepreg sheets (34) are then partially cured so that they harden into the shape of the inner mold line of the honeycomb core sandwich panel (27). The partially cured tooling prepreg sheets (34) are then final cured to form the caul plate (14). The caul plate (14) can then be used for inner mold line tooling for the honeycomb core sandwich panel (27) or parts having the same inner mold line shape.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A method of forming a caul plate for aligning against the inner mold line of a composite part, comprising:laying-up a first uncured composite material on a lay-up mandrel, the firs

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A method of forming a caul plate for aligning against the inner mold line of a composite part, comprising:laying-up a first uncured composite material on a lay-up mandrel, the first uncured composite material having a first primary curing temperature;extending a nonporous film over an inner mold line of the first uncured composite material;arranging a second composite material over the nonporous film so as to form an assembly, the second composite material having a second primary curing temperature that is lower than the first primary curing temperature; andcuring the assembly at a curing temperature that is at least as high as the second primary curing temperature but is less than the first primary curing temperature such that the second composite material is made substantially rigid, whereby the cured, second composite material can be used as a caul plate for the inner mold line of the first uncured composite material.