Patent ID: 8979500
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a protective leading edge strip component for an aerofoil, comprising: locating a portion of a thermoplastics fabric sheet between complementary male and female moulding tools; and applying heat and pressure to the portion of fabric sheet to cause the portion of fabric sheet to take the shape of at least the tip of the male moulding tool to thereby form the protective leading edge strip component for the aerofoil, wherein the male moulding tool projects from a sidewall, the thermoplastics fabric sheet has a maximum thickness, and the female moulding tool includes a recess which is arranged in use to retain only the tip of the male moulding tool and the portion of fabric sheet therebetween, the recess of the female moulding tool being configured such that a gap greater than the maximum thickness of the thermoplastics fabric sheet is present between the female moulding tool and the sidewall having the male moulding tool at a location where the male moulding tool projects from the sidewall when the recess of the female moulding tool and the tip of the male moulding tool are brought into contact with each other.