Method, Device and Apparatus for Vacuum Forming Composite Laminates

摘要

Composite prepreg plies are formed and compacted on a contoured tool by a compliant former device using compaction force applied by a vacuum diaphragm. The former device is configured to first clamp and then sweep the plies over features of the tool in a desired sequence.

主权项

1. Apparatus for forming a composite laminate structure, comprising:
a tool having contoured tool surfaces configured to have prepreg plies placed and formed thereon; a former device configured to be placed on the prepreg plies and form the plies onto the contoured tool surfaces, the former device including a plurality of forming segments and flexible connections between the forming segments, wherein each of the forming segments is configured to form a portion of the plies on the contoured tool surfaces; and a flexible vacuum diaphragm covering the plies, the flexible vacuum diaphragm being configured to be evacuated and compact the former device down onto the tool.