Method and tool set for manufacturing a composite component

A method of manufacturing a composite component, comprising:

• laying-up a preform for the composite component on an upper surface of a lay-up tool defining a lay-up profile, so that a first surface of the preform conforms to the lay-up profile of the lay-up tool and the lay-up profile is imparted on the first surface of the preform;
• transferring the preform to a forming tool comprising a first lower forming surface and an opposing second upper forming surface, each having a near net shape profile corresponding to a respective side of the component;
• and
• forming the preform in the forming tool to a near net shape of the component;
• wherein the preform has a preform bulk in excess of the near net shape of the component prior to forming;
• and
• wherein the lay-up profile of the upper surface of the lay-up tool is offset relative to the near net shape profile of the first lower forming surface of the forming tool to accommodate a proportion of the preform bulk of the preform, the preform exceeding the near net shape for the component on opposing sides of the preform;
• whereby the forming tool displaces the first surface of the preform laid up on the upper surface of the lay-up tool during forming to conform to the near net shape profile of the first lower forming surface of the forming tool, and the forming tool further displaces a second surface of the preform opposite the first surface during forming to conform to the near net shape profile of the second upper forming surface of the forming tool.