Patent ID: 8029719
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: B29C,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of shaping an article of composite material, the method comprising: arranging a blank of composite material on a top surface of a forming tool, a portion of the blank being arranged to protrude outside the top surface of the tool and supporting the protruding portion with a plurality of supports successively arranged adjacent the tool, wherein the supports are in contact with an underside of the protruding portion of the blank; arranging an air-tight foil over the arrangement of the blank, the tool and supports; forcing the air-tight foil towards the blank; lowering the supports in a predetermined order until the blank is shaped over the tool; and stopping movement of and/or removing the supports, wherein a first support of the plurality of supports is arranged next to the tool is lowered when a force from the air-tight foil acting on said first support is higher than a pre-determined value, and wherein at least one successive support of the plurality of supports arranged adjacent to said first support is lowered when a force acting on said successive support is higher than a pre-defined value and a force acting on a preceding support of the plurality of supports is reduced below a pre-defined value.