The present invention provides a tool 1 for curing a composite component, the tool comprising a lay-up surface 8 for laying-up layers of an uncured composite component, a cover assembly 9 for moving in relation to the lay-up surface to cover a layed-up uncured composite component on the lay-up surface, the cover assembly comprising a sealable cover for sealing around the uncured composite component on the lay-up surface to form a sealed zone, and a vacuum port 25 for providing a vacuum to the sealed zone, wherein the tool further comprises at least one heating element 15, 53 within the sealed zone for heating the uncured composite component. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a composite component and a composite component. The composite component may form at least part of a piece of aircraft furniture, such as an aircraft seat shell.

Tool arrangement for compacting a composite preform assembly comprising a support structure preform and an array of component preforms each extending from the support structure preform and spaced apart along the support structure preform. The tool arrangement comprises a support tool defining a lay-up surface for laying up the support structure preform; a plurality of component moulds, each component mould comprising a pair of blocks configured to cooperate with one another to receive and compact a respective component preform extending from the support structure therebetween, each block having a compaction surface for engaging the component preform and a driving surface.

A manufacturing tool for forming composite structures includes at least one interchangeable mold template having a plurality of incorporated part shapes, and a backbone that connects to and supports the at least one interchangeable mold template during a process of laying up prepreg composite material to form a plurality of three-dimensional structures corresponding to the plurality of incorporated part shapes. A method for simultaneous manufacture of a plurality of composite structures includes providing an interchangeable mold template having a plurality of three-dimensional part shapes, fastening the interchangeable mold template to a backbone structure, laying up prepreg material over the interchangeable mold template to form a material layer, repeating laying up prepreg material to form a plurality of material layers each having a predetermined fiber orientation, and curing the plurality of material layers on the interchangeable mold template to form a plurality of structures corresponding to the three-dimensional part shapes.

A method for manufacturing a mold element using a manufacturing device comprising a die and a counter-mold defining a molding cavity in the closed position, comprises: opening the manufacturing device; placing at least one insert 22, produced by laser sintering, against a molding surface of the die; mounting at least one wedge 28 on the die so as to bear against said insert in order to immobilize it relative to said molding surface; closing the manufacturing device, the counter-mold pressing onto said wedge in order to keep said insert pressed against said molding surface; injecting aluminium into the molding cavity of the manufacturing device; opening the manufacturing device; and extracting from the manufacturing device the mold element provided with a molding face formed by at least part of said insert and by the aluminum.

Modular tool inserts for composite part manufacturing and related methods are described herein. An example method includes disposing a preform and a diaphragm assembly above a tool housing and disposing the diaphragm assembly on an upper perimeter surface of the tool housing that defines a cavity. The tool housing includes a docking station and a modular tool insert removably coupled to the docking station. The modular tool insert includes a mold disposed within the cavity. The method includes applying a vacuum within the cavity that pulls the diaphragm assembly, along with the preform, into the cavity such that the preform conforms to a shape of the mold. The method includes removing excess portions of the diaphragm assembly from around the modular tool insert and removing the modular tool insert, along with the diaphragm assembly and the preform, from the docking station.

The present invention is a system and method for manufacturing a framework for a padded cushion in the shape of a kneeler pad, wherein the framework is created using a thermoforming process to make rigid and plastic top and bottom shells that are then coupled together to form a framework to which upholstery is added to thereby form a padded kneeling cushion, wherein a fabric tightening system is also installed in the framework that enables the upholstery to be stretched tighter over the framework in order to tighten the upholstery around the cushion as the upholstery loses its shape and stretches over time, and wherein a system is provided to extend a length of the kneeler pads through the addition of expansion segments in the framework.

The improved mold assembly for cultured marble molding is provided. The mold assembly can comprise a male mold portion and a female mold portion. The assembly can further comprise a molding tool. The molding tool can have a side wall having an upper curved s and a lower curved portion. The molding tool can be constructed from a flexible and/or soft material. The lower curved portion of the molding tool can be coated with a gel coat having a first color. The molding tool can facilitate molding of a countertop having a recessed bowl portion having a color different from a counter portion of the countertop.

A system and method of manufacturing an over molded wire harness is disclosed herein. The system and method includes designing and manufacturing a positive mold made from interchangeable and reusable modular blocks. The positive mold is used to create a negative mold tool die, whereby the wire harness can be assembled in the negative mold and overmold material can be injected into the negative mold.

An injection mold, in particular for encapsulating rotors of electric machines, has a mold, wherein the mold has an arrangement of mold segments. The arrangement forms, along a longitudinal axis, a cavity for a component to be arranged. An exchange unit is provided, which is designed to remove at least one mold segment from and/or insert at least one mold segment into the arrangement, with the result that a size of the cavity can be changed.

A method and mould system for manufacturing at least a root section of a wind turbine blade is described. The method and system utilise a mould inlay which is arranged on top of a mould surface of a mould part so as to change the radius of curvature of the mould part and thereby also the diameter of a root section manufactured via the mould part and mould inlay. Further, blades manufactured via the method and mould system are described.