The Boeing Company
Method and system of forming a composite laminate

Abstract:

A method and associated system for forming composite materials is presented, including providing a composite charge having applied release films to top and bottom surfaces and positioned on a contoured forming tool such that a portion of the composite charge over hangs a second upper surface of forming tool. A fairing bar abuts the forming tool that has an uppermost surface positioned above the second upper surface of the forming tool. The combination of the positioning of the fairing bar and the use of release film in contact with the composite charge allows the composite charge to conform to the contoured forming tool without bridging or wrinkling the composite charge when a forming membrane and applied vacuum are used.