Cure tool with integrated edge breather and method of making the same

A cure tool having an integrated breather for curing a composite part layup, comprising:

• a tool body having an upper surface adapted to support the composite part layup thereon and having a lower surface;
• and
• the breather being integrally formed within the tool body, the breather including—
• a plurality of channels, comprising a first set of channels and a second set of channels, wherein the first set of channels having two generally parallel, laterally spaced apart channels located in the upper surface of the tool body and extending substantially around the composite part layup placed on the upper surface, and wherein the second set of spaced apart channels located in the upper surface and extending traverse to and interconnecting the first set of channels;
• and
• at least one internal air passageway in the tool body having an inlet coupled with the plurality of channels at an intersection of the first set of channels and the second set of channels;
• and having an outlet adapted to be coupled with a vacuum source for drawing air from edges of the layup being cured.