Patent ID: 8337192

Claim:
In a molding device, a tool for use in manufacturing composite components, the tool comprising: an encapsulation layer having a shape; a first insulation layer on the encapsulation layer, wherein the first insulation layer comprises one of a foam, honeycombs, a sheet, or fibers; a second insulation layer, wherein the encapsulation layer is positioned between the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer and wherein the insulation layers insulate the encapsulation layer from heat; and an isolation layer on the first insulation layer, the isolation layer having an outer surface capable of contacting a composite material laid up on the outer surface in a shape, and the encapsulation layer provides rigidity to the tool and maintains the shape of the tool during a curing process to form a composite component from the composite material, and the isolation layer is configured to provide either insulation or conduction.