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

A machine comprising a tool body comprising:

• a central region;
• a breather;
• and
• a first set of grooves, in a surface of the tool body that surround the central region, between an outer edge of the central region and a sealer tape, the first set of grooves being abutting laterally spaced apart grooves connected by a second set of grooves;
• the breather configured to provide a substantially continuous and constant breathing volume surrounding the central region between the outer edge of the central region and the sealer tape, such that, in operation, the breather provides the substantially continuous and constant breathing volume surrounding the central region between the outer edge of the central region and the sealer tape.

An autoclave cure machine comprising an integrated breather comprising:

• a tool body;
• a breather integrally formed within the tool body and comprising a first set of grooves that surround a central region of the tool body, between an outer edge of the central region and a sealer tape, the first set of grooves abutting laterally, spaced apart and connected by a second set of grooves, which are spaced apart from each other and extend transversely through and intersect the first set of grooves;
• at least one internal air passageway in the tool body having an inlet coupled at an intersection of the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves;
• and
• an outlet configured to be coupled with a vacuum source for drawing air from the edge of a composite part layup being cured in the autoclave machine.