Method of forming pressure pad or other flexible element for use during cure of composite materials

A method of manufacturing a flexible element configured for pressing against composite material received on a mold surface of a mold during cure, the method comprising:

• placing a porous material over the mold surface;
• placing the entire mold and the porous material in a sealed enclosure under vacuum, wherein a portion of the enclosure is movable relative to the mold surface when the sealed enclosure is under vacuum;
• connecting an open liquid material supply bag to an inlet of the sealed enclosure and infusing silicone in liquid form from the liquid material supply bag into the enclosure and through the porous material;
• after infusing the silicone, closing the liquid material supply bag;
• curing the silicone in the sealed enclosure under vacuum to form the flexible element with the porous material being embedded therein;
• and
• disengaging the flexible element from the sealed enclosure and from the mold;
• wherein the sealed enclosure comprises a free bag that is not connected to the mold.