Patent ID: 10016949

Abstract:
A method of molding a charge (12) during the manufacture of a composite part. The method comprises: placing the charge and a diaphragm (4) on a male tool, the charge having a first part (12a) which is positioned above a top of the male tool (2) and a second part (12b, 12c) which projects to one side of the maletool; and progressively deforming the second part of the charge against a side of the male tool by applying a pressure difference across the diaphragm and stretching the diaphragm over the male tool as the pressure difference is applied. The diaphragm has a tensile modulus in the plane of the diaphragm which is greater than 5 MPa. Optionally a support membrane may be positioned on a opposite sides of the charge. In the case where a support membrane is used, then the diaphragm has a stiffness in the planeof the diaphragm which is higher than the stiffness of the support membrane in the plane of the support membrane.