The Boeing Company
System and method for processing composite material

Abstract:

An example system for processing composite material includes a cure tool, a source of pressurized gas, and a vacuum bag forming an enclosed volume between the cure tool and the vacuum bag. The system further includes composite material positioned on the cure tool within the enclosed volume. The source of pressurized gas is configured to inflate the vacuum bag, thereby moving a portion of the vacuum bag away from the cure tool and the composite material. An example method includes placing composite material onto a cure tool, placing a vacuum bag over the composite material and the cure tool to form an enclosed volume between the cure tool and the vacuum bag, processing the composite material while the composite material is within the enclosed volume, and inflating the vacuum bag to move a portion of the vacuum bag away from the cure tool and the composite material.