Fixture with grooves for processing cmc article

A system for processing a ceramic matrix composite article, the system comprising:

• at least one fixture including first and second tool segments each having an exterior side and an interior side, the first and second tool segments defining there between a working region for holding a fiber preform that is to be densified with a ceramic material, each of the interior sides having grooves there along, the grooves have at least one inlet and at least one outlet that open to the exterior side;
• a source for providing a precursor gas;
• and
• a plenum connected to the source and the at least one inlet for providing the precursor gas to the working region via the grooves.