Abstract: A device is described for producing a fiber product by laying down melt-spun fibers onto a laydown belt. A spinning device is associated with a top side of the laydown belt and a suction-extraction device is associated with the bottom side. A vacuum device has a movable suction chamber which interacts with the spinning device in order to lay down the fibers on the laydown belt. To generate a uniform suction flow in every position of the suction chamber, the suction chamber is formed from a stationary bottom box and a movable top box which are coupled to one another in a pressure-tight manner.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated board, comprising: preparing a first and a second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by laminating the carrier with an insulating resin layer in which a fiber cloth is embedded, and laminating the first and the second prepregs 30a, 30b with a carrier by bonding the insulating resin layer in the first prepreg 31a with a carrier and the insulating resin layer in the second prepreg 31b with a carrier directly or via an additional member under reduced pressure and heating it.

Abstract: A substrate sealing apparatus includes a chamber, at least one lower compressing member, and at least one lower compressing member. The lower compressing member includes a lower compressing surface for emitting heat, is configured to be elevated up and lowered down in a vertical direction with respect to the compressing surface, and rotates about the vertical direction. The upper compressing member includes a lower compressing surface for emitting heat, and is configured to be elevated up and lowered down in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A caul plate system for a laminate structure includes a plurality of layers of curable caul plies disposed over a laminate structure and substantially conforming to a surface of the laminate structure. A resin is applied to the plurality of layers of caul plies. Co-curing of the plurality of layers of caul plies with the laminate structure hardens the plurality of layers of caul plies such that a normal pressure is applied to the laminate structure during cure of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A nanoimprint lithography template including, inter alia, a body having first and second opposed sides with a first surface disposed on the first side, the second side having a recess disposed therein, the body having first and second regions with the second region surrounding the first region and the recess in superimposition with the first region, with a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the first region being spaced-apart from the second side a first distance and a portion of the first surface in superimposition with the second region being spaced-apart from the second side a second distance, with the second distance being greater than the first distance; and a mold disposed on the first side of the body in superimposition a portion of the first region.

Abstract: A material forming apparatus and method for shaping a material to a forming tool having complex contours. The material forming apparatus may comprise a bladder sealed to a support structure, cooperatively forming a hollow space therebetween into which air or another gas may be pumped to inflate the bladder. The forming tool may comprise a protrusion of any shape to which the material may conform. The material may be placed between the bladder and the protrusion and the support structure may be actuated toward the forming tool. As the support structure progresses toward the forming tool, an area of material pressed against the protrusion by the bladder increases in an outward direction. A pressure regulator may regulate an amount of pressure applied to the material by the bladder as the bladder presses the material against the forming tool.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing enhanced optics fabrication for making a concave focusing optical lens with a selected material of a crystal or an amorphous material and a support member. A cut-out is formed in the support member with a depth based upon the final, desired curvature of the concave focusing optical lens. The cut-out is partially filled with an epoxy and the selected crystal or amorphous material is placed on top thereby creating a quasi-vacuum seal. A vacuum pump is connected to the support member, providing a set vacuum level until the epoxy has hardened and the selected crystal or amorphous material has achieved its final curvature. Vacuum pressure is substantially uniformly applied to the crystal, providing substantially uniform stresses on the surface of the final concave focusing optical lens.

Abstract: A vacuum vibration press for making composite stone slabs applies as much or more vibration and pressure than a conventional Breton press, while weighing less, costing less to manufacture, providing shorter press cycle times, and consuming less energy. Instead of vibrating the entire vacuum chamber, the press includes vibration devices within the vacuum chamber which vibrate only the pressing apparatus. Instead of more than 100 tons, the press vibrates less than 5000 pounds of apparatus, using less than 25 hp instead of 100-300 hp. In embodiments, vacuum volume reduction blocks reduce the volume to be evacuated within the chamber. Embodiments use screw jacks and springs or air bags to provide controlled pressing force and precisely uniform slab thickness. The vibration can be vertical and/or horizontal, linear and/or circular, and mechanical and/or ultrasonic. Slabs can be inserted and removed on a conveyor belt or in separate trays on rollers.

Abstract: A system and method for a semiconductor molding chamber is disclosed. An embodiment comprises a top molding portion and a bottom molding portion that form a cavity between them into which a semiconductor wafer is placed. The semiconductor molding chamber has a first set of vacuum tubes which hold and fix the position of the semiconductor wafer and a second set of vacuum tubes which evacuate the cavity of extraneous ambient gasses. The encapsulant may then be placed over the semiconductor wafer in order to encapsulate the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An imprint template cover for an imprint template having a pattern feature thereon. The cover is configured such that, in use, it extends around the pattern feature of the imprint template, and such that the cover does not contact the pattern feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body of an absorbent article by depositing a liquid absorbent material on an air-permeable member by passing an air that contains the liquid absorbent material in a thickness direction of the air-permeable member, the apparatus including: a plurality of plates that are stacked in the thickness direction, that constitutes the air-permeable member, each of which includes a plurality of air holes that penetrate the plate in the thickness direction and that allow the air to pass, and each of which includes a joining portion for joining to an adjacent plate in the thickness direction in a portion of the plate in which the air holes are not formed, the plurality of air holes of each of the plates being arranged so as to communicate with corresponding air holes of an adjacent plate in the thickness direction, corresponding air holes of all the plates stacked in the thickness direction having a same shape.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for supplying powder quantitatively and a material supply apparatus including the apparatus for supplying powder quantitatively. The apparatus for supplying powder quantitatively to a place where required includes: a driving part generating a driving force using an external power; a powder supply part connected to the driving part, following the operation of the driving part, and transferring the powder according to a predetermined path; a chamber placed on the sides of the powder supply part and receiving the powder transferred by the powder supply part; a compression part compressing the transferred powder in the chamber; and a quantitative supply part separating a desired amount of powder from the compressed powder and discharging the separated powder from the chamber.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding (RTM) molding device is designed to mold a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) molded body by injecting a resin composition into a mold and by impregnating the molded body therewith. The resin composition is a chain curing polymer (CCP). A CCP accommodating layer is disposed adjacent to an outer side of the molded body. The layer contains the CCP. The layer is provided with a Vf limit value, the value defined by the curing characteristics of the CCP and the characteristics of dissipation of heat from the CCP to the exterior. An element for separating the molded body is disposed between the body and the layer.

Abstract: A method and part forming apparatus configured for forming an aircraft stringer. The part forming apparatus may comprise a forming tool, a rigid plate, and a hollow bladder. The forming tool may comprise a material trough, a bladder extension trough laterally aligned with and open to the material trough, and a recessed pocket extending from either side of the bladder extension trough and adjacent to the material trough. The method comprises placing composite material into the material trough, placing the bladder onto the composite material and through the bladder extension trough, placing the rigid plate into the recessed pocket and over the bladder, and then placing skin laminate over the bladder and the composite material. Once each of these components is in place, the forming tool may be vacuum bagged and the composite material and skin laminate may be co-cured to form the stringer.

Abstract: A hot isostatic pressing device according to the present invention includes an inner casing, an outer casing, and a heating means which are provided inside a high-pressure container.

Abstract: An industrial-scale high throughput wafer bonding apparatus includes a wafer bonder chamber extending along a main axis and comprising a plurality of chamber zones, a plurality of heater/isolator plates, a guide rod system extending along the main axis, a pair of parallel track rods extending along the main axis, and first pressure means. The chamber zones are separated from each other and thermally isolated from each other by the heater/isolator plates. The heater/isolator plates are oriented perpendicular to the main axis, are movably supported and guided by the guide rod system and are configured to move along the direction of the main axis. Each of the chamber zones is dimensioned to accommodate an aligned wafer pair and the wafer pairs are configured to be supported by the parallel track rods. The first pressure means is configured to apply a first force perpendicular to a first end heater/isolator plate.

Abstract: A device for generating a hollow plastic profile, in particular a plastic tube, having an air guidance system for interior cooling of the tube, wherein said device allows for a more simple design, improved process properties, and better tube quality. The device according to the invention comprises an extrusion die (100) having a melt channel (114) encompassing the extrusion axis, an extruder that feeds plastic melt to the extrusion die (100), and a suction device for suctioning air through the interior of the profile opposite the direction of extrusion, wherein the extruder feeds the extrusion die (100) centrally and the suction device comprises a central suction tube (140) disposed within the melt channel and partial flow suction channels (144) connected to the central suction tube (140); in the suctioning direction and leading out of the interior of the extrusion die (100).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a hollow composite structure by forming a prepreg product using a plurality of prepregs, forming a soft coating layer on an inner surface of the prepreg product, and compressing the prepreg product by applying pressurized air to the coating layer and, at the same time, applying heat to the prepregs.

Abstract: A system for processing a composite material may comprise a chamber, a mandrel, an upper ramp, and an upper diaphragm. The chamber generally provides structural support while a vacuum is applied to the system and may have a six-sided generally rectangular box shape. The mandrel generally provides support for the composite material, and may be located within the chamber. The upper ramp generally provides a path for the upper diaphragm to follow under vacuum, and may be located adjacent to the mandrel and tilted at approximately 45 degrees downward thereto. The upper diaphragm may be placed over an opening along one side of the chamber. During processing, a vacuum may be applied to chamber and the upper diaphragm may be pulled inward through the opening to press the composite material against the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an article by molding is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes a mold with an upper part, a lower part and at least one mold cavity, and has a vacuum clamping ring with a least one closable vent, which is arranged between the upper part and the lower part. The mold cavity is at least partially filled with a mold material. The vent is closed, and the mold cavity is filled with a thermoplastic or thermoset material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a crash pad for vehicles. In the method, a surface material is inserted into an upper mold. A base material of a liquefied resin is supplied through a loading aperture of a lower mold. A shape of a molded product of the crash pad including the surface material and the base material is maintained by combining the upper mold and the lower mold together and then cooling thereafter. The molded product is taken out from a mold after separating the upper mold from the lower mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a precision press device and a press load control method thereof for downsizing a vacuum chamber in press work in the vacuum chamber, shortening a time required to reach a vacuum and further performing high accuracy pressure control. To downsize a chamber 16, a pressure sensor is set up outside the chamber 16 and a cylinder chamber 17 is formed to allow a tubular plunger 7 to slide up and down using the tubular shape of the chamber 16. A negative pressure 22 in the chamber 16 attracts the pressurized section 2 and the pressurizing section 1 to each other, but by injecting an equivalent pressure 19 of a fluid into the cylinder chamber 17, pushing out the tubular plunger 7, the attractive forces are canceled out. It is possible to control the load on the substrate or the like transferred by the press stage with high accuracy.

Abstract: A panel member prepared from a fibrous slurry and replicates a structure prepared from masonry, carpentry, or other finishes. The panel member includes a body, a plurality of ornamental sections, a plurality of interior filler sections, and an exterior filler section. The body is prepared from a substantial uniform caliper of fiber material. The exterior filler section thickness is substantially equal to a thickness of the interior filler sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for placing at least one material layer onto a relief mold for producing a composite material. Thereby, an elastically-reversibly deformable body with a surface relief that is designed to correspond to the relief mold is pressed against the material layer, as a result of which the surface of said body is deformed, and the material layer can be picked up. As a result of its elastically-reversible characteristics the body subsequently deforms back to its initial state so that the material layer can easily be placed onto the relief mold.

Abstract: [Summary] [Technical problem] The main object of the present invention is to provide a mold part for resin molding and manufacturing method which can easily change a design on a product surface side without requiring substantial effort and cost and diversify the selection of post-processings on this design surface and are suitably used by being attached to diverse molding tools.

Abstract: In one embodiment method to form a composite part from a metallic composite powder, comprises positioning a metallic composite powder preform in a mold cavity formed by a first susceptor and a second susceptor, heating the mold cavity to a first processing temperature, applying a pressure to the mold cavity, and applying a thermal oscillation cycle to the mold cavity, wherein the thermal oscillation cycle oscillates the temperature of the mold cavity between a first temperature in which the metallic composite powder is in a first phase and a second temperature in which the metallic composite powder is in a second phase, different from the first phase.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing root of megawatt wind-turbine blade includes the following steps: (1) manufacturing an independent female mould, and arranging a positioning stop-ring on the female mould; (2) clinging on one side of the positioning stop-ring, a plurality of glass fabrics and macroporous glass fabrics are laid on the curved surface of the female mould; (3) after laying the glass fabrics, sealing the female mould using a vacuum bag, and vacuumizing the female mould after a curved supporting board is arranged on the vacuum bag; (4) after laying a plurality of glass fabrics in the blade mould, slinging the prefabricated part and the curved supporting board to arrange them in the blade mould; (5) sealing the blade mould using another vacuum bag, vacuumizing the blade mould, thereafter infusing resin into the blade mould, after curing the root of the blade is finally formed.

Abstract: A micro-lens array fabrication apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller, a molding member, and a cooling member. The first roller and the second roller revolve cooperatively to position portions of a substrate on the molding member while maintaining a tension on the substrate. The molding member includes a shaft and two caps connected to opposites ends of the shaft. The shaft defines a through hole and rows of molding holes in a lateral surface thereof, and forms heaters in the though hole. The heaters heat up the substrate till molten, and the air is driven to blow the molten substrate into the molding holes and form a row of micro-lens structures on the currently positioned portion of the substrate.

Abstract: An adjustable thermal die assembly is provided. The thermal die assembly includes a thermal forming die and at least one insert. The thermal forming die has at least one die cavity of a select shape. The die further has at least one opening to the at least one die cavity. The at least one insert has at least one internal passage that is conformed to have a shape of the at least one opening to the at least one die cavity of the die. Moreover, the at least one insert is configured and arranged to be selectively coupled to the die with the at least one internal passage of the at least one insert aligning with the at least one opening of the at least one die cavity to selectively increase a depth of a forming cavity of the thermal forming assembly.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method for a PDP which allows even high-definition and ultra-high-definition PDPs to demonstrate an excellent image display capability at improved luminous efficiency, by suppressing variation of a discharge gas composition, and by eliminating an impurity gas in a discharge space effectively. To achieve the aim, deterioration of an absorbent material 39 composed of copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5-type zeolite is prevented, by performing both sealing and evacuation steps for the front substrate 2 and back substrate 9 in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. This maintains properties of the absorbent material 39 for absorbing the impurity gas without degradation, even if the absorbent material 39 absorbs a Xe gas in a discharge gas introducing step.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus for fixing a plastic sheet which fixes a plastic sheet to fabricate a nano pattern and a method of fabricating a nano pattern on a plastic sheet using the same. The apparatus for fixing a plastic sheet includes: a pair of planar metal guide rings interposingly fixing a plastic sheet from above and below, respectively; and a sheet fixing chuck including: a ring fixer sucking the pair of planar metal guide rings through a vacuum groove to be fixed thereto; and a sheet fixer having a plurality of vacuum pin holes formed therein, the vacuum pin holes sucking a bottom of the plastic sheet fixed by the planar metal guide rings. The apparatus allows fabrication of the nano pattern on the plastic sheet having less roughness than that of a semiconductor substrate or a glass substrate.

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 preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing enhanced optics fabrication for making a concave focusing optical lens with a selected material of a crystal or an amorphous material and a support member. A cut-out is formed in the support member with a depth based upon the final, desired curvature of the concave focusing optical lens. The cut-out is partially filled with an epoxy and the selected crystal or amorphous material is placed on top thereby creating a quasi-vacuum seal. A vacuum pump is connected to the support member, providing a set vacuum level until the epoxy has hardened and the selected crystal or amorphous material has achieved its final curvature. Vacuum pressure is substantially uniformly applied to the crystal, providing substantially uniform stresses on the surface of the final concave focusing optical lens.

Abstract: A material forming apparatus and method for shaping a material to a forming tool having complex contours. The material forming apparatus may comprise a bladder sealed to a support structure, cooperatively forming a hollow space therebetween into which air or another gas may be pumped to inflate the bladder. The forming tool may comprise a protrusion of any shape to which the material may conform. The material may be placed between the bladder and the protrusion and the support structure may be actuated toward the forming tool. As the support structure progresses toward the forming tool, an area of material pressed against the protrusion by the bladder increases in an outward direction. A pressure regulator may regulate an amount of pressure applied to the material by the bladder as the bladder presses the material against the forming tool.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system for expelling a gas positioned between a substrate and a mold, the substrate and the mold further having a liquid positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A mold includes a forming insert that includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a sidewall segment and a heel segment extending from a bottom of the sidewall segment. The sidewall segment has a sidewall radius, and the heel segment has a heel radius that is less than the sidewall radius. The lower portion extends axially downward from the upper portion to define a base cavity. A forming base is positionable within the base cavity. The rim has a rim radius that is less than the heel radius and the step has a step radius that is less than the rim radius.

Abstract: A closure strip, for use with a corrugated material, includes an elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member and a plurality of thermoplastic undulations. The elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member has a bottom surface and an opposite top surface. The elongated flat thermoplastic sheet member defines a plurality of linearly disposed and spaced apart openings therethrough. A plurality of thermoplastic undulations is complimentary in shape to the corrugated material. Each undulation extends upwardly from the flat thermoplastic sheet member and defines a void that opens to a different one of the openings defined by the flat thermoplastic sheet member.

Abstract: A device for the application of adhesive and machine and method for manufacturing paper cups. The device applies adhesive, particularly for the manufacture of a paper cup from at least one paper segment, and includes a stamp for the application of the adhesive. The stamp is made of a compression-resistant porous sintered material.

Abstract: System, method and process for imprinting a substrate using controlled deformation of a substrate and/or a template. The substrate and/or template may be positioned in single wave formation or double wave formation during an imprint lithography process.

Abstract: A solution to some of the problems related to manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite panels is to provide a vacuum bag frame assembly for use in the production of fiber-reinforced composite panels, where the vacuum bag frame assembly comprises a tubular center frame, a first vacuum bag frame holding an integrated first vacuum bag and arranged for closing against a first side of the center frame, and a second vacuum bag frame holding a second integrated vacuum bag and arranged for closing against an opposite, second side of the tubular center frame. The tubular center frame is provided with a peripherally arranged vacuum outlet external relative to the space formed between the vacuum bags, and one or more vacuum apertures directed internally relative to the space formed between the first and second vacuum bags and the tubular center frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprinting device and an imprinting method which can uniformly apply pressure between a mold and a molding object and which can increase and decrease a temperature at a fast speed. An imprinting device is for transferring a pattern on a mold to a film molding object and comprises a stage for holding the mold, a pressurizing-chamber casing which configures a pressurizing-chamber together with the molding object, sealing means which airtightly seals a space between the pressurizing-chamber casing and the molding object, opening and closing means which opens and closes the space between the pressurizing-chamber casing and the molding object, pressurizing means which adjusts atmospheric pressure in the pressurizing-chamber, heating means which heats either one of or both of the mold and the molding object, and degassing means which eliminates any gas present between the mold and the molding object.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of setting a piece of a plant containing moisture inside a pressurizing apparatus and hermetically closing the internal space of the pressurizing apparatus; a step of applying a heat and a pressure to the piece of the plant; and a step of (i) enabling ventilation between the inside of the pressurizing apparatus and outside thereof after the piece of the plant reaches a predetermined molding temperature, (ii) retaining the pressure and the temperature for a predetermined period, (iii) cooling a molded article, and (iv) taking out the molded article from the pressurizing apparatus. This realizes a method for processing a plant which method makes it possible to mold a piece of a plant into a desired shape without reducing the piece of the plant into powder and without using an adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hollow FRP article by internal pressure molding includes a vacuum chamber, a forming die positioned in the vacuum chamber, a vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, a composite-body support device for supporting a composite body without making the composite body come into contact with the forming die in a state where the forming die is opened by the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, the composite body including an airtight internal-pressure holding tube and a prepreg fitted on said airtight internal-pressure holding tube, an evacuation system for evacuating the vacuum chamber, an internal-pressure supplying device for applying pressure to an inside of the internal-pressure holding tube, and a controller for actuating the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism to clamp the forming die to thereby bring the forming die and the composite body into intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an air-filled cellular structure for use as a resilient cushion. The method includes providing a molding structure including a shelf substantially surrounding a depression, and a platform that fits within the depression and is selectively movable between a plurality of positions relative to the shelf, moving the platform to a preselected position relative to the shelf, wherein the preselected position corresponds to a substantially predetermined amount of air to be contained by the air-filled cellular structure, and using a vacuum device to draw air from within the depression.

Abstract: A pitch densification apparatus may be used to form a carbon-carbon composite material. The apparatus may be used to compress a carbon fiber material, and, thereafter, pitch densify the carbon fiber material. The compression and pitch densification of the carbon fiber material may be carried out within the same mold cavity of the pitch densification apparatus. In one example, an apparatus may comprise a mold defining a mold cavity that is configured to receive a material to be densified. The mold cavity is configured to be adjusted from a first volume to a second volume less than the first volume to compress the material in the mold cavity. The example apparatus may further comprise a gas source configured to apply a gas pressure in the mold cavity to force pitch into the material in the mold cavity to densify the material, and a vacuum source configured to create a vacuum pressure in the mold cavity at least prior to the application of the gas pressure.

Abstract: A mold and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of a fiber reinforced laminated structure are provided. The mold includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part defines a negative impression of the laminated structure, being structurally stable and forming a support for fiber reinforcement layers of the laminated structure. The second mold part connectable to the first mold part for closing the mold and defines together with the first mold part an enclosed space which can be evacuated. The mold further includes a flow duct for guiding a liquid polymer which is formed as a recess in the first mold part and/or a recess in the second mold part that is open towards the enclosed space and extends along a section of the periphery of the first mold part and/or the second mold part.

Abstract: There is provided a method of fabricating a ceramic green sheet, the method including: forming a ceramic green sheet by applying ceramic slurry onto a support substrate; and drying the ceramic green sheet by allowing the ceramic green sheet to pass through a plurality of drying zones, wherein positive internal differential pressure is applied to at least one of drying zones disposed at a front end of the plurality of drying zones, the internal differential pressure being defined as a pressure value obtained by subtracting a discharging pressure (Pout) of each drying zone from an introducing pressure (Pin) thereof.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for manufacturing articles with the help of a mould. The solution according to the invention comprises a strong pressure-resistant frame (1) and also a pressurizing box (6) to be disposed in it, in which pressurizing box moulds of essentially thin structure can be surrounded with high pressures and temperatures. By utilizing high temperatures, post-treatment with an autoclave is avoided. With the solution according to the invention techniques known from plastic mould technology, which have been used e.g. in vacuum forming moulds and injection moulding moulds, are applied to articles and moulds to be manufactured with compression moulding technology.

Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.