This case study was focused on proving the feasibility to use Smart Tools that act as bladders during cure, combined with an out of autoclave and out of oven curing solution, to produce a high quality, co-cured I-Beam composite structure.
Case Study: Trailing Edge Control Surface
Traditionally, composite trailing edge control surfaces required the use of foam fabricated to a knifepoint to mold the trailing edge because traditional tooling methods could not mold composite with such small, and often times trapped geometry.
Smart Tools That Act as Mandrels Data Sheet
Smart Tools that act as mandrels are manufactured to the inner mold line (IML) geometry of the composite part and are rigid at room temperature. After a release film is applied, composite material can be placed directly onto the Smart Tool.
Smart Tools That Act As Cauls Data Sheet
Smart Tools that act as cauls are manufactured to the composite inner mold line (IML) plus bulk factor oset. Smart Tools are rigid at room temperature to provide a net shape, stable, lay-up surface for operators. After a release film is applied, composite material can be placed directly onto the Smart Tool.
Smart Tools That Act As Bladders Data Sheet
Smart Tools that act as bladders are manufactured to the inside mold line (IML) of the composite part minus bulk factor and are rigid at room temperature. After a release film is applied to the Smart Tool, composite material can be placed directly onto the Smart Tool.
Smart Tool Trapped Geometry Demold Process Video
Smart Tooling RTM Presentation
Smart Tooling Options for Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) Composite Fabrication. A disruptive tooling solution that enables fabrication of composite products with higher through-put, improved quality and lower cost.