Method for forming inner mold line tooling without a part model
US5876546A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1028
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.