Collapsible mandrel employing reinforced fluoroelastomeric bladder

A method of forming a collapsible mandrel, the method comprising:

• forming a layup on a substrate by:
• providing a first layer of rubber;
• providing a reinforcement layer by positioning a plurality of reinforcement strips in side-by-side and edge-to-edge alignment with each other on the first layer of rubber to define a plurality of joints between the reinforcement strips where the joints are to provide a hinge to allow a first portion of a side wall supported by a first strip of the plurality of strips to swing and fold relative to a second portion of a side wall supported by a second strip of the plurality of reinforcement strips;
• providing a plurality of release films on the reinforcement strips spaced apart from each other to expose a portion of the reinforcement strips;
• providing a second layer of rubber overlying the exposed portion of the reinforcement strips;
• laminating the first and second rubber layers to the reinforcement strips to form the layup;
• placing the layup in a mold;
• overlying ends of the reinforcement strips and the first and second rubber layers to form one or more joints between the reinforcement strips;
• applying a vacuum to the mold to consolidate the layup;
• and
• curing the consolidated layup.