Interlocking structure with integrated securing regions for heat treating metal parts

An interlocking grid structure comprising:

• a plurality of first members arranged approximately parallel to each other and secured to the frame, the first members each comprising a body with a height of a′ and a plurality of slots projecting upward into the body for a distance of b′, each slot corresponding with a raised tooth projecting upward from the body a distance of c′, wherein the length of each raised tooth is d′;
• a plurality of second members arranged approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to the first members, the second members each comprising a body having a height of a and a plurality of slots extending downward to the body such that the body has a height of b at the slots, each slot bordered on either said by a raised tooth projecting upward from the body a distance of c, thereby forming a plurality of “raised tooth/slot/raised tooth” repetitions across the length of the second members, wherein the length of each “raised tooth/slot/raised tooth” repetition is d;
• wherein each slot of the first members corresponds to and interlocks with one slot of the second members;
• and
• a plurality of securing regions comprising the intersection of at least one raised tooth from a first member and at least one raised tooth from a second member;
• wherein at least one of the plurality of first members and at least one of the plurality of second members comprises a carbon fiber composite material.

A method of assembling an interlocking grid structure comprising:

• providing a plurality of first members comprising a body, a plurality of slots and a plurality of raised teeth;
• providing a plurality of second members comprising a body, a plurality of slots and a plurality of raised teeth;
• aligning the first members above the second members such that slots of the first members align with slots of the second members;
• and
• interlocking the first and second members with the corresponding slots, thereby forming a plurality of securing regions, each securing region comprising at least one raised tooth of a first member and at least one raised tooth of a second member.