BLADDER MOLDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING COMPOSITE ARTICLES

摘要

A method for forming composite articles from a thermoplastic preform using a bladder molding system. In one aspect, the method comprises suspending the preform above a tensioned release layer in an indexed manner prior to heating and forming the preform. In another aspect, the method comprises cold loading the preform into the bladder molding system about the mold cavity and subsequently heating and forming the preform without further handling the preform.