Abstract: A modular tooling arrangement includes a base member comprising a planar working surface, a frame circumscribing a first cavity at least partially defined by the planar working surface, and a plurality of plates configured to be received in the first cavity for forming a second cavity of a desired shape and size. The plurality of plates at least partially define the second cavity configured to receive a work piece. The plurality of plates may be replaced with plates of various sizes to vary at least one of the size and shape of the second cavity.

Abstract: An induction welding system includes a first gantry, a second gantry, and a support structure. The first gantry includes a first frame and a first plurality of trunks. The first plurality of trunks defines a first curved inner support surface of the first gantry. The first curved inner support surface has a first curvature geometry. The second gantry includes a second frame and a second plurality of trunks. The second plurality of trunks defines a second curved inner support surface of the second gantry. The second curved inner support surface has a second curvature geometry which is different than the first curvature geometry. The support structure includes at least one tooling member defining a curved outer support surface of the support structure. The support structure is longitudinally moveable relative to the first gantry and the second gantry.

Abstract: An induction welding system includes a first gantry, a second gantry, and a support structure. The first gantry includes a first frame and a first plurality of trunks. The first plurality of trunks defines a first curved inner support surface of the first gantry. The first curved inner support surface has a first curvature geometry. The second gantry includes a second frame and a second plurality of trunks. The second plurality of trunks defines a second curved inner support surface of the second gantry. The second curved inner support surface has a second curvature geometry which is different than the first curvature geometry. The support structure includes at least one tooling member defining a curved outer support surface of the support structure. The support structure is longitudinally moveable relative to the first gantry and the second gantry.

Abstract: A modular tooling arrangement includes a base member comprising a planar working surface, a frame circumscribing a first cavity at least partially defined by the planar working surface, and a plurality of plates configured to be received in the first cavity for forming a second cavity of a desired shape and size. The plurality of plates at least partially define the second cavity configured to receive a work piece. The plurality of plates may be replaced with plates of various sizes to vary at least one of the size and shape of the second cavity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoplastic panel may comprise: laying up a panel preform within a consolidation assembly, the panel preform comprising a plurality of plies of material comprising thermoplastic resin and fiber; generating, via a hot bond unit, a vacuum environment within the consolidation assembly; and heating, via the hot bond unit and through a heated blanket within the consolidation assembly, the panel preform.

Abstract: Various arrangements and methods are disclosed for forming one or more perforations on a substrate surface using a laser system, at least one rotating polygon mirror, and at least one other movable mirror. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface by incrementing (e.g., moving) a first mirror between a plurality of fixed (e.g., pointing) positions. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate using a first mirror that is maintained in a fixed (e.g., pointing) position. A first rotating polygon mirror and a second rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface, where the first and second polygon mirrors are used to define an extent of a given perforation in two dimensions on the substrate.

Abstract: A perforation system is disclosed that utilizes an optical beamlet generator and a scanner (e.g., at least two moveable mirrors). The optical beamlet generator may be a lenslet array or a diffractive optical element. The optical beamlet generator outputs a plurality of beamlets from a single input laser beam. These beamlets are moved in at least two dimensions relative to a surface of a substrate to form perforations in the substrate.

Abstract: Various arrangements and methods are disclosed for forming one or more perforations on a substrate surface using a laser system, at least one rotating polygon mirror, and at least one other movable mirror. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface by incrementing (e.g., moving) a first mirror between a plurality of fixed (e.g., pointing) positions. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate using a first mirror that is maintained in a fixed (e.g., pointing) position. A first rotating polygon mirror and a second rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface, where the first and second polygon mirrors are used to define an extent of a given perforation in two dimensions on the substrate.