Abstract: A method for use in manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite article includes assembling a ceramic fiber sheet between a tool and a die, where the tool is conformable to the shape of the die and the melting point of the die is greater than the melting point of the tool. The assembly is then heated to soften the tool. At least one of the tool, the die or a separate inflatable member is then pressurized to conform the tool and the ceramic fiber sheet to the die. Next, the assembly is cooled and the pressure is vented before removal of the tool and ceramic fiber sheet from the die. A preceramic resin with a catalyst is then applied to the ceramic fiber sheet and cured at a curing temperature that is below the melting point of the tool, to form a preform. The tool is then removed from the preform.

Abstract: A method for use in manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite article includes assembling a ceramic fiber sheet between a tool and a die, where the tool is conformable to the shape of the die and the melting point of the die is greater than the melting point of the tool. The assembly is then heated to soften the tool. At least one of the tool, the die or a separate inflatable member is then pressurized to conform the tool and the ceramic fiber sheet to the die. Next, the assembly is cooled and the pressure is vented before removal of the tool and ceramic fiber sheet from the die. A preceramic resin with a catalyst is then applied to the ceramic fiber sheet and cured at a curing temperature that is below the melting point of the tool, to form a preform. The tool is then removed from the preform.

Abstract: A channel cutting tool may include an arbor that connects to a rotating spindle of a machining tool or a similar spinning part of a machining tool. Two slot cutting blades may be fixedly mounted to the arbor. An inner washer may be fixedly mounted on the arbor between the cutting blades and establish the blade spacing. An outer washer may be rotationally mounted to the inner washer with a smaller thickness to facilitate rotation relative to the two cutting blades. The arbor rotates about a longitudinal rotation axis, which also may be the rotation axis for the cutting blades, the inner washer, and the outer washer. The outer washer functions as a depth-limiting safeguard for the channel cutting tool.

Abstract: A channel cutting tool may include an arbor that connects to a rotating spindle of a machining tool or a similar spinning part of a machining tool. Two slot cutting blades may be fixedly mounted to the arbor. An inner washer may be fixedly mounted on the arbor between the cutting blades and establish the blade spacing. An outer washer may be rotationally mounted to the inner washer with a smaller thickness to facilitate rotation relative to the two cutting blades. The arbor rotates about a longitudinal rotation axis, which may also the rotation axis for the cutting blades, the inner washer, and the outer washer. The outer washer functions as a depth-limiting safeguard for the channel cutting tool.