Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite article precursor, e.g. from which to make an aerofoil. The method of manufacturing involves: laying down a first grouping of at least one layer of composite material upon a substantially upwardly-facing first surface of a preform of the composite article precursor; disposing a first deformable support over the first grouping of at least one layer of composite material; securing the first deformable support to the preform via a first securing fixing; rotating the preform about an axis such the first surface is no longer substantially upwardly-facing and a second surface of the preform is substantially upwardly-facing; laying down a second grouping of at least one layer of composite material upon the second surface of the preform; and vacuum debulking an assembly comprising the first grouping composite material, the second grouping of composite material, the first deformable support and the preform.

Abstract: A tool for curing and bonding a honeycomb stack with void filler. The tool has a first tool piece with a cavity for receiving layers of unfilled honeycomb material and a second tool piece with a cavity for receiving at least one layer of void-filled honeycomb. The tool also has a compression seal arrangement that creates gas-tight seals between the first tool piece, second tool piece, and a barrier layer positioned between them, with a further seal covering the cavity of the first tool piece to form a gas-tight sealed volume including the first cavity, a pressure plate to cover the cavity of the second tool piece to apply pressure to the void-filled honeycomb, with a further seal to cover the pressure plate to form a gas-tight sealed volume including the second cavity.