High pressure co-cure of lightweight core composite article utilizing a core having a plurality of protruding pins

摘要

The composite molding apparatus includes a rigid base member and a complementary semi-rigid mold member or "black bag" caul plate having a sieve member formed therein. The sieve member layer of the semi-rigid mold member engages pins which extend from the sandwich core to limit penetration into the semi-rigid mold member to a predetermined depth. The semi-rigid mold member is supported relative to the rigid mold member by the pins to provide uniform pressure transfer to the composite article during a high pressure co-cure molding process without crushing the sandwich core.