A mandrel assembly is configured to receive one or more layers of composite material to form a component. The mandrel assembly may include a tower having an outer forming wall surrounding a central passage, and an upper ring removably secured to the tower. The upper ring is configured to be removed from the tower after the layer(s) of composite material are wrapped around the outer forming wall and at least a portion of the upper ring. The component is removed from the tower after the upper ring is removed from the tower.