A method of forming an iso-grid structure may include filling multiple pockets of the iso-grid structure with a filler material, attaching a support structure to the perimeter of the iso-grid structure, shaping the iso-grid and support structures, and removing the support structure from the iso-grid structure. The support structure may be thinned and stretched during the shaping process.

A method of forming an iso-grid structure may include filling multiple pockets of the iso-grid structure with a filler material, attaching a support structure to the perimeter of the iso-grid structure, shaping the iso-grid and support structures, and removing the support structure from the iso-grid structure. The support structure may be thinned and stretched during the shaping process.

A method and apparatus for forming a ribbon configured for use in forming a honeycomb structure when the ribbon is in a folded state. The ribbon comprises a first edge and a second edge. At least one portion of the first edge is not parallel to at least one portion of the second edge when the ribbon is in an unfolded state.

A method and apparatus for forming a ribbon configured for use in forming a honeycomb structure when the ribbon is in a folded state. The ribbon comprises a first edge and a second edge. At least one portion of the first edge is not parallel to at least one portion of the second edge when the ribbon is in an unfolded state.

A honeycomb for curved surface lightweight components includes a plurality of elongate ribbons and connecting regions. The connecting regions are provided, respectively, between opposing ribbons to connect the ribbons together in a portion-wise manner in a firmly bonded relationship in a transverse direction. The connecting regions are arranged at regular spacings along the longitudinal direction of a ribbon. Honeycomb-like cells form cavities between the ribbons. With respect to three successive ribbons, a displacement of the connecting regions between first and second ribbons relative to the connecting regions between second and third ribbons toward a first side of the longitudinal direction is lesser than toward a second side of the longitudinal direction. Consequently, at least a part of the cells in cross-section in the longitudinal direction/transverse direction plane have at least one longer limb corresponding to the greater displacement and at least one shorter limb corresponding to the lesser displacement.

A honeycomb for curved surface lightweight components includes a plurality of elongate ribbons and connecting regions. The connecting regions are provided, respectively, between opposing ribbons to connect the ribbons together in a portion-wise manner in a firmly bonded relationship in a transverse direction. The connecting regions are arranged at regular spacings along the longitudinal direction of a ribbon. Honeycomb-like cells form cavities between the ribbons. With respect to three successive ribbons, a displacement of the connecting regions between first and second ribbons relative to the connecting regions between second and third ribbons toward a first side of the longitudinal direction is lesser than toward a second side of the longitudinal direction. Consequently, at least a part of the cells in cross-section in the longitudinal direction/transverse direction plane have at least one longer limb corresponding to the greater displacement and at least one shorter limb corresponding to the lesser displacement.

A computer-implemented method for simulating and designing a support structure (2) for assembling or gaging a sheet metal part (1) comprises, in a simulation of the sheet metal part (1) and support structure (2), designing a selection of support elements (3) and a position and orientation of the support elements (3) by displaying a computer based visual representation (5) of the sheet metal part (1) to a user. According to a user input, support elements (3) are placed relative to the sheet metal part (1). The method further comprises automatically determining a stability status indicating whether the sheet metal part (1) is stably held by the support elements (3), and displaying the stability status to the user.

A computer-implemented method for simulating and designing a support structure (2) for assembling or gaging a sheet metal part (1) comprises, in a simulation of the sheet metal part (1) and support structure (2), designing a selection of support elements (3) and a position and orientation of the support elements (3) by displaying a computer based visual representation (5) of the sheet metal part (1) to a user. According to a user input, support elements (3) are placed relative to the sheet metal part (1). The method further comprises automatically determining a stability status indicating whether the sheet metal part (1) is stably held by the support elements (3), and displaying the stability status to the user.

In some examples, a technique including positioning supports such that the supports are between a first metallic substrate and a second metallic substrate, wherein an undulating member is located between the first metallic substrate and the second metallic substrate, the undulating member defining a plurality of first peaks adjacent to a first surface of the first metallic substrate and a plurality of second peaks adjacent to a second surface of the second metallic substrate, wherein a first support of the supports is positioned such that the first support extends between a first peak of the plurality of first peaks and the second surface of the second metallic substrate; welding the first peak to the first surface of the first metallic substrate in an area of the first support; and removing the first support by at least one of a thermal removal process or a chemical removal process.

In some examples, a technique including positioning supports such that the supports are between a first metallic substrate and a second metallic substrate, wherein an undulating member is located between the first metallic substrate and the second metallic substrate, the undulating member defining a plurality of first peaks adjacent to a first surface of the first metallic substrate and a plurality of second peaks adjacent to a second surface of the second metallic substrate, wherein a first support of the supports is positioned such that the first support extends between a first peak of the plurality of first peaks and the second surface of the second metallic substrate; welding the first peak to the first surface of the first metallic substrate in an area of the first support; and removing the first support by at least one of a thermal removal process or a chemical removal process.