Abstract: A method of moulding a composite structure using a tool having a core support section and a plurality of tool sections surrounding the core support section to define a tool surface on which a composite material can be placed, the core support section being selectively retractable from the tool sections. The composite material is laid on the tool surface and enclosed by a flexible, substantially non-permeable membrane. The enclosed composite material is then cured. The flexible, substantially non-permeable membrane is removed after curing. The core support section is retracted from the tool sections, allowing the tool sections to be collapsed inwardly, thereby releasing the cured composite material from the tool.

Abstract: A tool for use in forming molded articles, comprising a tool body formed of a ceramic material preferably porous with a porosity of between 40% and 60% and in the form of a foam. The tool body is profiled to define the mold surface(s) of the tool. The outer surface of the tool can be sealed with epoxy sealant to provide the mold surface(s) of the tool. An elastomeric layer can be applied to the surface(s) of the tool body and a resinous material, such as a fiber reinforced material, applied to the elastomeric layer, wherein the elastomeric layer inhibits the movement of resin from the resinous layer into the porous ceramic body, and the resinous layer defines the mold surface.

Abstract: A method of moulding a composite structure using a tool having a core support section and a plurality of tool sections surrounding the core support section to define a tool surface on which a composite material can be placed, the core support section being selectively retractable from the tool sections. The composite material is laid on the tool surface and enclosed by a flexible, substantially non-permeable membrane. The enclosed composite material is then cured. The flexible, substantially non-permeable membrane is removed after curing. The core support section is retracted from the tool sections, allowing the tool sections to be collapsed inwardly, thereby releasing the cured composite material from the tool.

Abstract: A tool comprising a support section, a plurality of tool sections beatable around the core section to define one or more tool surfaces on which structure material is beatable to be molded to form a composite structure, the support section and enclosure means being sealingly engagable to enclose the tool sections and structure material therebetween, thus allowing air to be withdrawn from between the enclosure means and the support section as part of the cure process of the structure material. Sealing the enclosure means directly against the support section obviates the need for the tool sections to be sealingly interconnected.

Abstract: A tool comprising a support section, a plurality of tool sections beatable around the core section to define one or more tool surfaces on which structure material is beatable to be moulded to form a composite structure, the support section and enclosure means being sealingly engagable to enclose the tool sections and structure material therebetween, thus allowing air to be withdrawn from between the enclosure means and the support section as part of the cure process of the structure material. Sealing the enclosure means directly against the support section obviates the need for the tool sections to be sealingly interconnected.

Abstract: A tool (10) for use in forming moulded articles, comprising a tool body (12) formed of a ceramic material, preferably porous with a porosity of between 40% and 60% and in the form of a foam. The tool body (12) is profiled to define the mould surface(s) of the tool (10). The outer surface (11) of the tool (10) can be sealed with epoxy sealant to provide the mould surface(s) of the tool. An elastomeric layer (16) can be applied to the surface(s) of the tool body (12) and a resinous material (14), such as a fibre reinforced material, applied to the elastomeric layer (16), wherein the elastomeric layer (16) inhibits the movement of resin from the resinous layer (14) into the porous ceramic body, and the resinous layer (14) defines the mould surface.