TOOLING PRODUCTION METHOD

摘要

A method is provided of producing a tooling to be used for manufacturing a rigid panel formed of polymer matrix composite material. The panel is for attachment to a gas turbine engine and has a curved shape which allows the panel to be wrapped around at least a part of a circumference of the engine. The panel has plural electrical conductors and/or fluid passages embedded therein. The tooling is either a mould against which the polymer matrix composite material can be moulded to manufacture the panel, or a pattern from which such a mould can be formed. The method includes: providing a plurality of separate tooling segments, each of which corresponds to a respective region of the curved shape of the panel; and joining the tooling segments together to produce the tooling.

主权项

1. A method of producing a tooling to be used for manufacturing a rigid panel formed of polymer matrix composite material, the panel being for attachment to a gas turbine engine and having a curved shape which allows the panel to be wrapped around at least a part of a circumference of the engine, and the panel having a plurality of flat facets which combine to form the curved shape and plural electrical conductors and/or fluid passages embedded therein, the tooling being either a mould against which the polymer matrix composite material can be moulded to manufacture the panel, or a pattern from which such a mould can be formed, the method including:
providing a plurality of separate tooling segments, each of which corresponds to a respective flat facet of the panel; and joining the tooling segments together to produce the tooling.