Abstract: A tooling set for stamp forming a workpiece includes a first stamping tool, a second stamping tool and an elastomeric layer between the first and second stamping tools. The first stamping tool defines a first forming face. The second stamping tool defines a second forming face. The elastomeric layer defines first and second compliant stamping surfaces. A method for stamp forming a workpiece includes positioning a workpiece between the first stamping tool and the elastomeric layer and compressing the workpiece between the first forming face and the first compliant stamping surface in response to the first and second stamping tools being approximated. A system for stamp forming a workpiece includes the tooling set.

Abstract: A compliant stamping tool for stamp forming a workpiece includes a support structure, a fluid and a deformable membrane. The support structure includes a support wall spaced from a stamping axis. The support wall defines a chamber with an opening. The fluid is disposed within the chamber. The deformable membrane is secured to the support wall, covers the opening and seals the fluid within the chamber. The deformable membrane defines a compliant stamping surface configured to oppose different non-compliant stamping surfaces of opposing stamping tools. A system for stamp forming a workpiece includes a first stamping tool and the compliant stamping tool. The first stamping tool defines a first non-compliant stamping surface extending from the stamping axis. A method for stamp forming a workpiece is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a braided preform with a desired shape. The apparatus comprises a layup mandrel having a central portion interconnecting opposite end portions. The apparatus also comprises a braidable wheel disposed at one end portion of the layup mandrel and arranged to receive braiding material for a braided layer to be formed on the layup mandrel. The apparatus further comprises a pressure-application device disposed at the other end portion of the layup mandrel and arranged to apply mechanical pressure to the braided layer on the layup mandrel to thereby form the braided preform.

Abstract: A stamp-forming system includes a lower die formed of elastomeric material and having lower die lateral sides. In addition, the stamp-forming system includes a die wall configured to encircle the lower die lateral sides, and move vertically relative to the lower die. Also included in the stamp-forming system is an upper die configured to move between an open position in which the upper die is separated from the die wall and the lower die, and a clamped position in which the upper die is in contact with the die wall and applying clamping pressure to a blank against the lower die, to thereby form the blank into a formed article. The die wall is sized and configured to prevent lateral expansion of the lower die when the lower die is vertically compressed by the clamping pressure applied by the upper die.

Abstract: Tooling for stamp forming a workpiece includes a first tool, a second tool, and an elastic boundary. The second tool includes an elastomeric member. The first tool has a thickness along a stamping axis and defines a first stamping surface extending from the stamping axis. The elastomeric member having a thickness along the stamping axis and defining a second stamping surface axially opposing the first stamping surface. The elastomeric member defines a periphery spaced from the stamping axis. The elastic boundary disposed proximate to at least a portion of the periphery of the elastomeric member.

Abstract: A stamp-forming system includes a lower die formed of elastomeric material and having lower die lateral sides. In addition, the stamp-forming system includes a die wall configured to encircle the lower die lateral sides, and move vertically relative to the lower die. Also included in the stamp-forming system is an upper die configured to move between an open position in which the upper die is separated from the die wall and the lower die, and a clamped position in which the upper die is in contact with the die wall and applying clamping pressure to a blank against the lower die, to thereby form the blank into a formed article. The die wall is sized and configured to prevent lateral expansion of the lower die when the lower die is vertically compressed by the clamping pressure applied by the upper die.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wrinkle coupon includes providing a thermoplastic laminate having a laminate outer surface and opposing laminate side edges, and comprised of multiple plies. Each ply is comprised of reinforcing fibers pre-impregnated with thermoplastic resin. The method additionally includes placing a wrinkle-forming element across the laminate outer surface such that the wrinkle-forming element extends between the laminate side edges. In addition, the method includes applying heat to the thermoplastic laminate, and applying compaction pressure on the wrinkle-forming element against the laminate outer surface in a manner urging the wrinkle-forming element into the thermoplastic laminate, and causing the wrinkle-forming element to form a wrinkle as an out-of-plane deformation in one or more of the plies. The method also includes allowing the thermoplastic laminate to cool, and cutting a wrinkle coupon out of a region of the thermoplastic laminate containing the wrinkle.