Abstract: A mold for use in the production of a ballistic article from a composite laminate stacked material wherein the mold has a sliding sealing section that nests with a outer permitter section and base portion so as to shield the sides of the composite laminate stacked material from applied isostatic pressure applied when in an autoclave. By shielding the sides of the composite laminate stacked material excess resin matrix material can be forced from the composite laminate stacked material to provide a uniform composite article with reduced weight and reduced thickness.

Abstract: A mold for use in the production of a ballistic article from a composite laminate stacked material wherein the mold has a sliding sealing section that nests with a outer perimeter section and base portion so as to shield the sides of the composite laminate stacked material from applied isostatic pressure applied when in an autoclave. By shielding the sides of the composite laminate stacked material excess resin matrix material can be forced from the composite laminate stacked material to provide a uniform composite article with reduced weight and reduced thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite articles such as laminate ballistic protection and structural reinforcements. The method involves placing a composite assembly in a sealable membrane system, e.g. a vacuum bag and placing the vacuum bag in a pressure vessel to apply heat and pressure to the composite assembly, thereby manufacturing a composite article. The apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a source of processing liquid to apply isostatic pressure to the vacuum bag; processing liquid heating, cooling, pressurizing and circulating means; and a control system to control the heating, cooling and pressurizing means. The sealable membrane system may preferably comprise: a sealable membrane to separate the composite article from the processing liquid and maintain the composite article below atmospheric pressure; and a membrane to cushion the composite article and resist adhesion of the article to other membranes. The processing liquid is preferably silicone oil.