Selectively flexible caul

摘要

A caul (24) is used in an autoclave process for consolidating a composite, multi-ply, gas turbine fan blade preform (12) having first and second opposite sides (12h, j) and a varying thickness therebetween. The caul (24) includes a body having fibres situated in a matrix. The caul is complementary in shape to the preform first side (12h) and has a bending flexibility varying over the body for correspondingly varying consolidation of the preform. The second side (12j) of the preform (12) is shaped by a bottom mold (22) in the autoclave chamber (20).