Abstract: An apparatus and method for rolling metal matrix composite material is disclosed. The material is confined within an aperture in a frame member during the rolling process. The frame member has deformation properties compatible with that of the metal matrix composite material permitting the frame member to be deformed during the rolling process and allowing the surfaces defining the aperture in the frame member to constrain the material during this process, thus eliminating edge cracking of the material. The frame member may be interposed between a top member and a bottom member both having deformation properties compatible with that of the metal matrix composite material so as to "encapsulate" the material during the rolling process.

Abstract: A sinuous pattern of soft copper tubing is pressed against a laminated assembly consisting of a thin sheet of copper laminated to a layer of insulating foam which is in turn laminated to a backing plate of pressed wood. As the pressure is increased, the tubing deforms the copper sheet in conformity with the shape of the copper tubing. The foam resists deformation of the sheet in areas not directly beneath the copper tubing resulting in a well-defined trough adapted to receive the copper tubing which deforms it. The copper tubing and sheet are then bonded together resulting in a thermally efficient, inexpensively produced collector panel.