Abstract: A die and a stationary member of resilient gas permeable composition are adapted to receive between them a three-dimensional honeycomb core article. The die includes an array of elongated mutually parallel translating pins, each terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions. The stationary member includes a receiving surface facing and laterally coextensive with the tip ends of the translating pins. The tip ends are engageable with first end surface of the article, the receiveing surface of the stationary member being engageable with a second end surface of the article.

Abstract: Tooling apparatus for three-dimensionally forming a honeycomb core article includes a die having an array of elongated mutually parallel translating pins, each having a pin tube terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions. The tip ends of the array of translating pins are engageable with an end surface of the honeycomb core article when in the extended position. Each tip end includes a pin tip assembly including an elongated pin tip member having an outwardly projecting bearing surface of shape conformable material on which is mounted a protective thrust pad, an opposed bottom surface, and an outer peripheral surface extending between the bearing surface and the bottom surface. A cup-shaped retainer having a base and an upstanding wall with an outer peripheral surface is provided for mounting engagement with the tip end of each pin tube and has an internal recess with a base surface and an internal peripheral surface.

Abstract: Tooling apparatus comprises opposing first and second dies adapted to receive a three-dimensional honeycomb core article therebetween and including opposedly aligned arrays of elongated mutually parallel translating pins, each terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position engageable with the article. A controller individually moves each of the translating pins in a coordinated manner between the retracted and extended positions and into engagement with the article to form it to a predetermined contour.

Abstract: The invention resides in a method of forming an adjustable holding fixture comprising the steps of providing a frame, providing a plurality of elongated beam modules each containing a plurality of translating members which are arranged at uniformed spacing between one another on each beam module and connecting said plurality of elongated beam modules with one another on said frame to combine the effect of each module into a single fixture.

Abstract: The invention resides in a module used in conjunction with other such modules in an apparatus for rapidly producing an article having a three-dimensional design comprising a base, a plurality of pins mounted on said base and said plurality of pins movable relative thereto, a plurality of drive motors corresponding in number to the number of said plurality of pins and means interconnecting each of said plurality of pins with said base, each said means being connected independently between said base and a corresponding one of said pins. A control means interconnects each of said drive means and a controller with one another to effect selective energization of said drive means.