General Electric Company
Methods and assemblies for forming features in composite components

Abstract:

Various methods and assemblies are provided for producing composite components having formed in features. For example, a method may comprise depositing a composite material on a base tool; deploying a feature forming tool to press the composite material into one or more recesses; and processing the composite material with the feature forming tool pressing the composite material into the one or more recesses. The processed composite material forms a green state composite component. The feature forming tool comprises one or more forming members, supported by a frame, for forming one or more features of the composite component. The method also may include sealing a bag around the composite material before deploying a feature forming tool and removing the feature forming tool and the bag after processing the composite material.