Abstract: A vacuum-forming system for deforming a forming blank is disclosed. The system includes a tool and at least one regulator bag disposed adjacent to the tool. The regulator bag includes a sealed bag having an exterior and an interior and a first volume and a defined passage from the interior to the exterior of the regulator bag. The passage is configured such that the regulator bag has a rate of deflation wherein the sealed bag will deflate from the first volume to a second volume over a determined period of time while the exterior of the sealed bag is at a determined reduced pressure. The system also includes a vacuum membrane coupled to the tool, the membrane configured to form a vacuum space enclosing the forming blank and the at least one regulator bag.

Abstract: A small-diameter composite tube may be formed by hand rolling. A slip sheet may be placed on a work surface, and then a composite sheet may be placed on the slip sheet. A mandrel may be placed at a first edge of the composite sheet, and a portion of the slip sheet may be folded over the mandrel, and the first edge of the composite sheet, such that the mandrel is enclosed in the slip sheet. A compression bar may then be placed on the folded-over portion of the slip sheet and force may be applied, causing the slip sheet to contact the mandrel. Then, the folded-over portion of the slip sheet may be pulled away from the mandrel while force is maintained on the compression bar. As the folded-over portion of the slip sheet is pulled, the composite sheet may wind around the mandrel, forming the composite tube.

Abstract: A vacuum-forming system for deforming a forming blank is disclosed. The system includes a tool and at least one regulator bag disposed adjacent to the tool. The regulator bag includes a sealed bag having an exterior and an interior and a first volume and a defined passage from the interior to the exterior of the regulator bag. The passage is configured such that the regulator bag has a rate of deflation wherein the sealed bag will deflate from the first volume to a second volume over a determined period of time while the exterior of the sealed bag is at a determined reduced pressure. The system also includes a vacuum membrane coupled to the tool, the membrane configured to form a vacuum space enclosing the forming blank and the at least one regulator bag.

Abstract: A vacuum-forming system for deforming a forming blank is disclosed. The system includes a tool and at least one regulator bag disposed adjacent to the tool. The regulator bag includes a sealed bag having an exterior and an interior and a first volume and a defined passage from the interior to the exterior of the regulator bag. The passage is configured such that the regulator bag has a rate of deflation wherein the sealed bag will deflate from the first volume to a second volume over a determined period of time while the exterior of the sealed bag is at a determined reduced pressure. The system also includes a vacuum membrane coupled to the tool, the membrane configured to form a vacuum space enclosing the forming blank and the at least one regulator bag.

Abstract: A small-diameter composite tube may be formed by hand rolling. A slip sheet may be placed on a work surface, and then a composite sheet may be placed on the slip sheet. A mandrel may be placed at a first edge of the composite sheet, and a portion of the slip sheet may be folded over the mandrel, and the first edge of the composite sheet, such that the mandrel is enclosed in the slip sheet. A compression bar may then be placed on the folded-over portion of the slip sheet and force may be applied, causing the slip sheet to contact the mandrel. Then, the folded-over portion of the slip sheet may be pulled away from the mandrel while force is maintained on the compression bar. As the folded-over portion of the slip sheet is pulled, the composite sheet may wind around the mandrel, forming the composite tube.

Abstract: A vacuum-forming system for deforming a forming blank is disclosed. The system includes a tool and at least one regulator bag disposed adjacent to the tool. The regulator bag includes a sealed bag having an exterior and an interior and a first volume and a defined passage from the interior to the exterior of the regulator bag. The passage is configured such that the regulator bag has a rate of deflation wherein the sealed bag will deflate from the first volume to a second volume over a determined period of time while the exterior of the sealed bag is at a determined reduced pressure. The system also includes a vacuum membrane coupled to the tool, the membrane configured to form a vacuum space enclosing the forming blank and the at least one regulator bag.