Abstract:
An apparatus and a method of conforming a blank onto forming surface sections of a forming tool by drawing a first vacuum against an elastic forming medium for transmitting forming forces from the elastic forming medium to the blank. The elastic forming medium is evacuated with the first vacuum for allowing the elastic forming medium to stretch and conform the blank to the forming surface sections. The elastic forming medium includes at least one void. A second vacuum is applied to the void for achieving a stiffened section of the elastic forming medium corresponding with the location of the void and corresponding with, when the elastic forming medium after the completion lies against the forming tool having the blank in between, a forming surface section of the forming tool where the blank requires a forming force being larger than that of surrounding sections of the elastic forming medium.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a composite structure including a plurality of sheets and a radius filler. The radius filler is adapted to fill a gap at least partially formed by the sheets of the composite structure. The radius filler includes a plastic material with a first curing temperature. The sheets include a plastic material with a second curing temperature. The method includes arranging the sheets in a desired shape, applying the radius filler material into the gap, exposing the sheets and the radius filler material to the first temperature, whereby the material of the radius filler cures, and exposing the sheets and the radius filler to the second temperature, which exceeds the first temperature, whereby the material of the sheets cures. A radius filler for filling gaps between sheets of a composite structure. The material of the radius filler has a curing temperature which is below the curing temperature of the sheets of the composite structure.
Abstract:
A tool assembly including a male tool including an inner shape tool including a bag having a connection connectable to a depressurization source for providing a vacuum in the bag such that beads therein form a body of firm cohesion providing the inner shape tool rigid. The male tool further includes a flexible, hollow curing support arranged around the rigid inner shape tool, the inner shape tool is arranged to be removable from the flexible, hollow curing support by rupturing the vacuum.