Composite consolidation using induction heating
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMarc R. Matsen, Donald M. Montgomery, Susan V. Laurenti
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Abstract
A process for consolidating a composite material comprises the steps of forming a workpiece including a matrix interspersed with fibers, supporting the workpiece by an electrically conductive support, inductively heating the support and thereby conductively heating the workpiece, and applying pressure to the heated workpiece. We apply the pressure by passing the support and workpiece through spaced rolls. To keep the workpiece from sticking to the support (i.e., the mandrel), we use boron nitride as a release agent.
Claims6
In a process for roll consolidating a metal matrix composite by applying pressure through a metal mandrel, the mandrel surrounding a layup of the raw materials of the metal matrix composite and heating the layup through the mandrel, the improvement comprising the step of applying a release agent between the mandrel and the layup, the release agent keeping the metal matrix composite from bonding with the mandrel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.