The Boeing Company
Layup tools that facilitate transfer of laminates to cure tools

Abstract:

Systems and methods are provided for adjustable tooling. One embodiment is a method that includes laying up a laminate of fiber reinforced material onto a continuous surface that has a convex profile and that comprises a first contoured surface of a fixed mold of a composite layup tool and a second contoured surface of a movable mold of the composite layup tool. The method also includes displacing the movable mold in a direction that is at least partially towards the fixed mold, breaking the continuous surface and releasing the laminate from the composite layup tool.