Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling a structure, particularly those structures requiring very tight tolerances. The structure may be assembled by positioning shim material on at least part of a sub-structure, curing the shim material in situ, machining the cured shim material to a desired thickness, and then assembling outer layer parts to the sub-structure such that the shim material is situated between the substructure and the outer parts. The shim material may be machined to different thicknesses at different locations on the sub-structure, so that, when assembled, the outer layer parts together conform to a predetermined profile. This is especially advantageous in the manufacture of airframes, where the outer layer panels must provide a smooth surface to avoid unwanted aerodynamic effects.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mould, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for use in the curing of composite components may take the form of a caul plate, pressure intensifier or vacuum bag and is formed from a curable elastomeric material which is partially cured, normally when supported on a mold, at a temperature not exceeding 100° C. It is subsequently further cured at, for example 175° C., while unsupported. It may incorporate a reinforcing layer formed from a curable resin pre-impregnated fibrous material.

Abstract: A method of molding a composite material which includes a fiber reinforcement within a resin comprises laying alternately on a mold first and second layers of fiber material pre-impregnated with uncured resin, where the resin content of the first layer is different from that of the second layer and the combination of layers gives the desired overall total volume fraction of fibers and resin in the laminate, enclosing the layers within an impervious membrane, evacuating the membrane and applying heat to the layers to flow gellate and at least partially cure the resin and during the process to allow released gasses and vapors to flow along the layers of lower resin content towards the membrane for subsequent evaluation.