Method of forming composite radius fillers

Abstract

A laminated board is built up from a plurality of layers of composite material having substantially unidirectional fibers. The layers are arranged so that all of the fibers in the board are substantially parallel to the length of the board. The board is cut at alternate 60.degree. angles with respect to a bottom layer of the board in the direction of the fibers to form a plurality of strips having a substantially triangular cross section. The strips are then advanced through a rolling machine which forms radiused surfaces on two adjacent sides of an equilateral triangle which is described by the cross section of the strip. Tapered fillers are formed by varying the thickness of the board from one end to the other. A strip-cutting machine having an angled blade, guides for the board, and a mechanism for translating the blade with respect to the board is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.