Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting method comprising a cutting step of cutting a workpiece material with a cutting tool to thereby form a through-groove in the workpiece material, wherein in the cutting step, the through-groove is formed in the workpiece material by cutting the workpiece material with the cutting tool while contacting a cut-assisting lubricant with the contact portion of the cutting tool with the workpiece material and/or the contact portion of the workpiece material with the cutting tool, and the workpiece material comprises a fiber reinforced composite material.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (“BOP”) includes a housing comprising a vertical bore extending through the housing and ram cavities intersecting the bore and ram assemblies, each ram assembly movably positionable within a ram cavity. Each ram assembly includes a packer assembly that comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, an elastomeric body positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate and comprising elastomeric material, and a support member comprising an aperture and positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate to provide support to the ram assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, process and system for sealing cracks in concrete substrates such as walls and floors. A plurality of holes are drilled through the concrete substrate, with at least one hole on each opposing side of the crack. Then a polymer rubber gel that is thick enough to not flow at room temperature (e.g. comprising 99% solids) is heated in a tank to an elevated temperature (e.g. 120-200° F.). Next, the heated polymer rubber gel is pumped in the heated state through one of the holes in the concrete. The pumping continues until the polymer rubber gel is observed exiting a second drilled hole that is spaced apart from the injecting hole. The polymer rubber gel rapidly cools and solidifies, thereby forming a waterproofing membrane that seals the crack(s).

Abstract: A PCB backup plate preparation method comprises: lubricating and radiating resin is coated onto both surfaces of the wood fiberboard and a resin layer forms, before it is totally dried out, wood pulp paper is bonded to its surfaces, then, the surface of the wood pulp paper is coated with unsaturated polyester resin and forms a resin layer, and the PCB backup plate is prepared; the lubricating and radiating resin is prepared by a 95 weight portion of principal component, composed by two or more of polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, vinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol, and a 5 portion of nonionic surfactant. The lubricating and radiating resin brings the PCB good lubricating and radiating capabilities, therefore increases the drilling hole accuracy when starts to drill, improves the hole wall quality and lowers the drill pin temperature.

Abstract: A method for making apertures in a web comprising providing a precursor web material; providing a pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers, wherein a first roller comprises circumferentially-extending ridges and grooves, and a second roller comprises teeth being tapered from a base and a tip, the teeth being joined to the second roller at the base, the base of the tooth having a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension; and moving the web material through a nip of the counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers; wherein apertures are formed in the precursor web material as the teeth on one of the rollers intermesh with grooves on the other of the rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reinforcing a predetermined edge region of a hole in a hole region of a workpiece, the edge region comprising an edge of the hole, the hole region comprising thermoplastically bound fibers, preferably a thermoplastically bund fiber tangle, comprising the steps: providing the workpiece with a softened thermoplastic binder at least in the hole region, penetrating the hole region of the workpiece in a penetration direction with displacement of fibers with a spike, after penetration: scraping fibers from the spike contrary to the penetration direction by a scraper part mobile relative to the spike, and compacting the predetermined edge region surrounding the spike with a pressing surface of the scraper part relative to workpiece regions of the hole region located radially outside the edge region.

Abstract: In polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolyzes, attaining and maintaining high membrane conductivity and durability is crucial for performance and efficiency. The use of low equivalent weight (EW) perfluorinated ionomers is one of the few options available to improve membrane conductivity. However, excessive dimensional changes of low EW ionomers upon application of wet/dry or freeze/thaw cycles yield catastrophic losses in membrane integrity. Incorporation of ionomers within porous, dimensionally-stable perforated polymer electrolyte membrane substrates provides improved PEM performance and longevity. The present invention provides novel methods using micromolds to fabricate the perforated polymer electrolyte membrane substrates. These novel methods using micromolds create uniform and well-defined pore structures. In addition, these novel methods using micromolds described herein may be used in batch or continuous processing.

Abstract: An energy management system for use with a vehicle having an interior includes an elongated plastic member having a wall defining a cavity. Disposed within the cavity is an elongated first in-situ foam core member, which has a first thermal bond to the wall. The wall having a first portion facing towards the vehicle interior and a second portion opposed to the first portion. A second in-situ foam core member is connected to at least a portion of the elongated plastic member forming the energy management system. The energy management system is capable of passing a 5-mph crash test passing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 215 (FMVSS 215) Phase II.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: A body may be provided having first and second ends having threaded outer surfaces. A bore may extend between the first and second ends. A tool may be provided having a first outer mold-line surface, a second opposing surface, and a hole extending between the first and second opposing surfaces. The first end may be threadedly attached and sealed, at the second opposing surface, to an inner surface of the hole. A cap may be threadedly attached and sealed to the second end of the body. A composite may be consolidated against the first outer mold-line surface of the tool. The cap may be unthreadedly removed from the second end. A drill bit may be inserted into the bore, through the tool hole, and against the composite to drill a composite hole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the fabrication of prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and prepreg layups prior to and/or during at least a portion of consolidation and cure process to form composite structures are disclosed. In certain embodiments, perforations of selected configurations may be introduced into the prepregs prior to, during, and after layup. The perforations provide routes for gases trapped within and between the perforated prepregs and prepreg lay-ups to escape during consolidation and cure process, reducing the residual porosity within the resulting composite. For example, composites having residual porosities less than 10 vol. %, on the basis of the volume of the composite, may be achieved in this manner.

Abstract: A method for making apertures in a web comprising providing a precursor web material; providing a pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers, wherein a first roller comprises circumferentially-extending ridges and grooves, and a second roller comprises teeth being tapered from a base and a tip, the teeth being joined to the second roller at the base, the base of the tooth having a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension; and moving the web material through a nip of the counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers; wherein apertures are formed in the precursor web material as the teeth on one of the rollers intermesh with grooves on the other of the rollers.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with electronic components and cowling structures that secure the electronic components. A cowling structure may include a metal portion and an insulating portion that has been insert-molded onto the metal portion. The metal portion and the insert-molded insulating portion may each have an opening that receives a screw. The screws may pass through the respective opening and attach to a substrate. The substrate may be a transparent cover layer for a device display. The cowling structure may press the electronic components against the transparent substrate layer. The device may include an antenna. The insert-molded insulating portion may extend from an edge of the metal portion in the direction of the antenna. The insert-molded insulating portion may prevent one of the screws from forming an electrical connection with the metal portion.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire and wheel assembly incorporates a tire tread and a conventional vehicle wheel with an elastomer tire body element molded for engagement intermediate the tread and wheel. The tire body element includes multiple concentric layers with alternating spokes. A bonded multilayer cover may be employed which is received within a recess in an outer surface of the tire body element from the tire tread. A mounting plate is engaged to the cover and attached to the wheel.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing composite material products is disclosed having at least the following operating steps: molding at least one plastic material spacer—having one or more inserts; molding at least one composite material product having at least the spacer; and mechanically working at least one of the inserts for forming at least one threaded hole therein. The present invention also relates to the products manufactured with this process.

Abstract: A blow-molding method for forming a squeezable or tubular plastic container is provided. The method includes molding a preform having a sidewall, an interior cavity, an open end, a closed end, and a neck adjacent the closed end of the preform. The neck of the preform has an engagement structure. The method includes providing a blow mold system including a blow mold cavity. The method includes placing at least a portion of the preform into the blow mold cavity, and blow molding a one-piece container body from the preform by inflating the preform within the blow mold cavity. The container body has an open end, a closed end and a neck adjacent to the closed end. Wherein the open end of the container body is formed from the open end of the preform, and the closed end of the container body is formed from the closed end of the preform. The method includes creating a dispensing opening through the closed end of the container body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a painted part of plastic material for the automobile industry having an opening, including the steps of molding the part and then, in the following order: painting the part; after painting, punching the part without edge-rounding using a punch to obtain the orifice; and after punching and extracting the punch from the orifice, rounding the edge of the opening of the orifice to have a predetermined radius of curvature in a radial section across the edge.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a hole in a component consisting of a composite material, such as a fiber reinforced plastic part or a fabric reinforced plastic part, which is characterized in that the component having first and second oppositely disposed sides is placed with its first side on a support having an iris diaphragm, in that a tip which diverges in the axial direction is pressed coming from the second side of the component through the component, which optionally has a pre-piercing, for the formation of the hole or for the enlargement of the pre-piercing and in that the iris diaphragm has a smaller starting opening which receives a narrower region of the tip and opens into a larger opening with increasing penetration of the component by the tip, whereby the component is supported during the hole formation over an as large as possible area from the first side. A piercing aid in the form of an iris diaphragm or a corresponding die button is likewise claimed.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for flowable material comprises a valve plate (26) of resilient polymeric material in which at least one elongate discontinuity is formed. The discontinuity defines at least one valve flap (28) which is an integral part of the valve plate but whose margin defined by the discontinuity is not connected to the adjacent material of the valve plate. The valve flap (28) is movable under the application of pressure from a closed position, in which the adjacent margins of the discontinuity form a substantial seal, to an open position, in which the margins for the discontinuity are spaced from one another and material can flow through the valve member. The polymeric material is a polyolefin material and the discontinuity is a rupture line. The margins defining the rupture line are of decreasing thickness towards their free edge and overlie one another.

Abstract: A method for forming a molded garment is provided. The method includes positioning an assembly of material between a first heated mold element and a second heated mold element, moving the first and second heated mold elements in relation to one another to laminate the assembly of material into a laminated assembly; moving a third heated mold element through the first heated mold element into contact with the laminated assembly so that the third heated mold element shapes a portion of the laminated assembly; and causing the first and second heated mold elements to trim fabric from the laminated to define the molded garment.

Abstract: A component of a laser processing machine includes an aluminum base member in which a duct is constructed in order to convey copper-ionized water. The duct has a corrosion-resistant plastic coating.

Abstract: A riser for an archery bow is formed from a fibrous composite material, the matrix of which may be a high heat distortion thermoplastic polymer, a very high heat distortion thermoplastic polymer, or a combination thereof. The riser may incorporate a spine formed from a different polymer or composite than the rest of the riser, or from metal. A method for producing a riser for an archery bow includes the steps of introducing a polymeric composite into a mold from a first end of said mold to facilitate a particular orientation of components of said polymeric composite, molding the polymeric composite to produce a billet that approximates a net shape of the riser, and then machining the billet to the final shape of the riser.

Abstract: A method of making a structured surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with multiple rows of upstanding elements. The upstanding elements include stems with proximal ends attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps, and each distal cap has an overhanging portion that extends beyond the stem in a first direction. For at least some of the multiple rows, an implement is passed between two adjacent rows, wherein the implement contacts the overhanging portion of at least some of the distal caps in the two adjacent rows such that at least part of the overhanging portion is turned in a second direction, different from the first direction. A structured surface that can be prepared by the method is also provided along with a fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the structured surface and an absorbent article that includes the fastening laminate. A tool useful for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of deforming an outer wall of polymer pipe is provided. The method includes: forming dual-wall pipe having a smooth wall and a corrugated wall; extruding an outer wall of pipe onto the corrugated wall of the dual-wall pipe; penetrating the outer wall of pipe with a vacuum punch; and drawing a vacuum between the corrugated wall and the outer wall via the vacuum punch; wherein the vacuum drawn between the corrugated wall and the outer wall causes the outer wall to deform in a direction towards the corrugated wall. An apparatus for forming an outer wall of pipe and a mold configured to form a coupling preform in a segment of continuously-extruded and molded polymer pipe are also provided.

Abstract: A composite friction unit of a three dimensional composite body is formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers in the form of fabric distributed throughout the body forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout. An alternate friction unit includes a substantially rigid or rigid backing co-pultruded in forming the unit. The units are produced in a pultrusion process wherein the reinforcing fibers and matrix are pulled through a forming die.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling an adhesive device comprising a first matrix-forming material with holes and a second material, the method comprising: (a) compose the first matrix-forming material with holes; (b) compose the second material with a Tm lower than the Tm of the first material, while enabling increase in the Tm of the second material; (c) assemble the adhesive device by filling the holes of the first matrix-forming material of step (a) with the deformable second material of step (b) at a temperature where the second material is deformable and the first material is non-deformable; (d) increase the Tm of the second material.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a resin layer of a resin-coated metal tube. The resin layer is removed with a laser beam. More particularly, the resin layer of a desired range is burned out by focusing the laser beam into a pinpoint without defocusing the sectional shape of the laser beam in the axial direction o the resin-coated metal tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reinforcing a predetermined edge region of a hole in a hole region of a workpiece, the edge region comprising an edge of the hole, the hole region comprising thermoplastically bound fibres, preferably a thermoplastically bund fibre tangle, comprising the steps: providing the workpiece with a softened thermoplastic binder at least in the hole region, penetrating the hole region of the workpiece in a penetration direction with displacement of fibres with a spike, after penetration: scraping fibres from the spike contrary to the penetration direction by a scraper part mobile relative to the spike, and compacting the predetermined edge region surrounding the spike with a pressing surface of the scraper part relative to workpiece regions of the hole region located radially outside the edge region.

Abstract: A process for producing a container comprising at least one aperture, the process comprising the steps of: a) thermoforming a material to produce an intermediate container in a mould, b) supporting at least a portion of the intermediate container with a supporting means, c) securing the intermediate container to hold it in a fixed locus in contact with the supporting means, d) forming at least one aperture in a surface of the intermediate container in an area of the intermediate container adjacent to the portion of the intermediate container supported by the supporting means to produce the container, and wherein the supporting means provides sufficient support to the intermediate container to prevent substantial deformation thereof during at step (d). A container produced by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for making apertures in a web comprising providing a precursor web material; providing a pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers, wherein a first roller comprises circumferentially-extending ridges and grooves, and a second roller comprises teeth being tapered from a base and a tip, the teeth being joined to the second roller at the base, the base of the tooth having a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension; and moving the web material through a nip of the counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers; wherein apertures are formed in the precursor web material as the teeth on one of the rollers intermesh with grooves on the other of the rollers.

Abstract: A method of forming an energy storage device includes forming a fill hole in a wall of the energy storage device. The method also includes deforming the wall of the energy storage device to reduce a width of the fill hole. Moreover, the method includes sealing the fill hole.

Abstract: A cutting tool has: a rotatable hollow tube with an inlet at a distal end of the tube and a cutting edge at the perimeter of the inlet, the tube being arranged so as to rotate when in use so as to cut a work piece with the cutting edge; and an auger housed within the hollow tube, the auger being arranged so as to rotate when in use so as to feed cut material from the inlet along the hollow tube, wherein a distal end of the auger is set back from the cutting edge of the tube.

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements and lands completely surrounding them. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements completely surrounded by land areas.

Abstract: There is provided a porous, carbon-containing preform, including a body (CL) of unidirectional carbon fiber fabrics (C1), and a friction layer (FL) of randomly-arranged-carbon-fiber fabrics (F1), combined with the body (CL) by a needle-punching operation. According to the present invention, it is by the needle-punching operation that the friction layer (FL) of the randomly-arranged-carbon fiber fabric (F1) is formed on the body (CL) of the unidirectional carbon fiber fabric (C1) and the friction layer (FL) of the randomly-arranged-carbon-fiber (F1) is cross-linked to the body (CL) of the unidirectional carbon fiber fabric (C1) in producing the porous, carbon-containing preform.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of articles from polymer materials having a medicamentous depot effect is performed by mixing the starting materials, shaping the mixture, cross-linking the polymer material at least until a sufficient dimensional stability is reached, performing all the necessary processing work, introducing the article into a protective package, sterilizing the packaged article, optionally with further cross-linking of the polymer material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing fiber-cement soffit building products. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for producing fiber-cement soffits includes a punch assembly, a support assembly facing at least a portion of the punch assembly, and an actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the punch assembly or the support assembly. The punch assembly can include a punch plate and a plurality of punches coupled to the punch plate. Each punch can have a length and a first cross-sectional dimension generally normal to the length. The support assembly can have a support plate, and at least a portion of the support plate is juxtaposed to at least a portion of the punch plate. The support plate can include a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern so that each hole in the portion of the support plate juxtaposed to the punch plate is aligned with a corresponding punch on the punch plate.

Abstract: A method of forming a container (100) includes heating two webs of material and indexing the webs into a vacuum thermoformer (40) which forms first (220) and second trays (110) simultaneously, wherein the second tray is disposed within a space of the first tray to define a reservoir (300) therebetween. A portion of the first tray is brought into contact with a flange portion of the second tray, and joined by a heat seal within the vacuum thermoformer. A punch device within the vacuum thermoformer perforates a drain aperture (117) in a central region of the bottom of the second tray, such that the drain aperture is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cut-out section is adhered to the bottom of the first tray to eliminate the presence of any scrap material. The joined first and second tray is indexed out of the vacuum thermoformer and trimmed to separate an assembled container from the web supply.

Abstract: A method of connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece and a device for carrying out the method are shown and described. The object of providing a method with which a positive-locking connection between a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece can be produced in a short time and without considerable outlay in terms of apparatus is achieved by a method comprising the following steps: providing a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece, placing the further workpiece against the plastic workpiece, providing a connecting element on a surface of the plastic workpiece, this surface being opposite the surface against which the further workpiece bears, producing a recess in the further workpiece, this recess being provided on the surface bearing against the plastic workpiece, heating the connecting element, so that the material of the connecting element is plasticized, and pressing plasticized material into the recess.

Abstract: A flexible, fabric-based circuit comprises a non-conductive flexible layer of fabric and a conductive flexible layer of fabric adjacent thereto. A non-conductive thread, an adhesive, and/or other means may be used for attaching the conductive layer to the non-conductive layer. In some embodiments, the layers are attached by a computer-driven embroidery machine at pre-determined portions or locations in accordance with a pre-determined attachment layout before automated cutting. In some other embodiments, an automated milling machine or a computer-driven laser using a pre-designed circuit trace as a template cuts the conductive layer so as to separate an undesired portion of the conductive layer from a desired portion of the conductive layer. Additional layers of conductive fabric may be attached in some embodiments to form a multi-layer construct.

Abstract: To produce a molded part with a through-hole, a rod-shaped blank is pushed through a guide into a cavity and fixed in place. The end region of the blank is compressed and reshaped into a disk. A disk core having the same cross-sectional shape as the blank is ejected out of the disk using a punch and pushed into the guide and moved back together with the unshaped part of the blank. The disk is severed from the disk core and the molded part is removed from the cavity. During the penetration step, the disk present in the cavity is subjected to an axial pressure in the disk core ejection direction and the blank is subjected to an axial counter-force opposite to the disk core ejection direction.

Abstract: In the formation of a fiber reinforced composite material component produced by a resin transfer infusion process such as to have an electrically conductive surface layer for lightning strike protection wherein the component is to be drilled and countersunk to receive an electrically conductive fastener, a localized part of the electrically conductive mesh is deformed so as to be relocated in the countersunk recess thus to ensure electrical contact with the fastener when inserted and to eliminate any gap between the mesh and the fastener, thus determining the electrical conductive integrity of the mesh to avoid arcing in the event of lightning strike attachment.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided that are related to cellular materials that have a precisely-determined arrangement of voids formed using surface transformation. In various embodiments, the cellular materials are suitable for use in various structural, mechanical and/or thermal applications. One aspect of the present subject matter is a method of forming cellular material. According to various embodiments of the method, a predetermined arrangement of the plurality of holes is formed in a volume of material through a surface of the volume of material. The volume of material is annealed such that the volume of material undergoes a surface transformation in which the arrangement of the plurality of holes is transformed into a predetermined arrangement of at least one empty space below the surface of the volume of material. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently removing a dissimilar material as part of a recycling process, which are free of problems in the terms of worker safety and the work environment, are provided. With the apparatus of the present invention, a working unit is operated to move a blade unit while pressing a plastic product from the outside thereof to punch out the dissimilar material.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber-reinforced composite member from prepregs of reinforcing fibers impregnated with a matrix resin, comprising placing the prepregs in a cavity of a molding die, cutting off excess margins of the prepregs along the edges of the cavity, and curing the matrix resin.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method for creating a molded-in-color vehicle panel is provided. The mold may have at least first and second mold members, each having a forming surface for forming a portion of the vehicle panel. One mold member may translate relative to the other to collectively receive a heated resin with a molded-in-color to form the vehicle panel. The resin may be formed into a solid molded-in-color interior vehicle panel. After allowing the resin to partially cool, an aperture may be formed by punching through in the molded-in-color resin with a punch.

Abstract: A method for producing a fiber-reinforced composite member with connecting holes, comprising boring a cured molding of prepregs of reinforcing fibers impregnated with a matrix resin to form the connecting holes, using a burnishing drill comprising two or more tapered tip blades, two or more circumferential blades extending continuously from the tip blades to a shank, and chip-discharging grooves extending from the tip blades to the shank.

Abstract: A method of producing tight bezel fits between automotive interior panels and their mating subcomponents. The method includes forming at laminate preform, injection molding a substrate layer behind the laminate preform to form a molded automotive interior panel, and forming an opening in the molded automotive interior panel. The method further includes post embossing the molded automotive interior panel adjacent a perimeter of the opening to produce an embossed interface between the molded automotive interior panel and a mating subcomponent installed in the opening, thereby producing a tight bezel fit between the molded automotive interior panel and the mating subcomponent installed in the opening. Alternatively, the method includes utilizing a vacuum wrapped automotive interior panel with the embossing step described above. The invention also provides for an automotive interior panel including a tight bezel fit between the panel and mating subcomponents, formed by the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: A mould for moulding braking bands with ventilation ducts with the use of composite material and, in particular, of C/SiC ceramic material, comprises two half-moulds with respective impression surfaces which face one another and lie perpendicular to an axis of symmetry and which, together with outer and inner cylindrical walls, define a moulding cavity in the shape of the braking band to be moulded. The mould also has pin elements which have the shape of the ventilation ducts and which can be transferred by secondary actuating means from a rest position to a working position and vice versa, the pin elements being outside the moulding cavity in the rest position and the pin elements being inserted in the moulding cavity in the working position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite components, including asymmetric composite components, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a composite component includes providing a forming tool having a base portion and at least one retaining portion; forming an uncured composite component on the forming tool; curing the composite component; performing a manufacturing operation on the cured composite component engaged with the forming tool; and after performing the manufacturing operation on the cured composite component, removing the cured composite component from the forming tool. In further embodiments, the forming tool may have a plurality of reference apertures disposed therethrough for performing drilling operations on the cured composite component.