Patent ID: 6217310
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B22F,B29C,B29K

Abstract:
A vacuum tooling apparatus for a composite material comprising:a) a frame sized to peripherally surround said composite material;b) a pair of plungers sized to contact upper and lower surfaces of the composite material;c) an encapsulating flexible bag having a cavity, one of said plungers positioned in said cavity;d) encapsulating sheets attached to said frame, said encapsulating sheets and said frame forming another cavity containing said plungers, said encapsulating bag and said composite material;e) an first evacuation port in communication with said cavity via a passageway in said frame;f) a second port in communication with said another cavity; andg) wherein said cavity can be evacuated and said another cavity can be pressurized to retain said composite material in place during vacuum off-gassing thereof.