Method and apparatus for manufacturing articles employing folded honeycomb panels

摘要

A method is disclosed of folding a honeycomb panel, the panel preferably comprising a honeycomb core having opposing face sheets. A slit is preferably cut through one face sheet and the underlying honeycomb core and a wedge is driven into the honeycomb panel at the location of the slit. The wedge crushes the honeycomb core to a preselected depth with a preselected angle whereby the crushed honeycomb core forms a hinge. The honeycomb panel can then folded along the hinge in a direction opposite the intact face sheet. Adhesives can be used to hold the hinge in the folded position.