Patent ID: 6458309
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: B29C,B29D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of fabricating an article from fiber-reinforced composite material comprising the steps ofassembling on a composite bond jig a first uncured composite layer in the shape of at least one surface of the article, the first composite layer having at least one uncured resin-impregnated laminate layer; providing at least one elongated hollow mandrel, the at least one hollow mandrel being of a stiffened graphite fabric having upper, lower and side surfaces and being of a predetermined cross section; securing on the upper surface of the first composite layer the at least one hollow mandrel with the lower surface thereof in engagement with the upper surface of the first composite layer; assembling a second uncured composite layer on the bond jig over the upper and side surfaces of the at least one hollow mandrel and at least a portion of the upper surface the first uncured composite layer, the second uncured composite layer having at least one uncured resin-impregnated layer; and subjecting the lay up assembled on the composite bond jig to a cycle of predetermined pressure and temperature to cure the resin-impregnated layers so as to form a unitary co-cured one-piece article.