A method is provided of bonding a first component to a second component. The method includes: locating the first component against the second component to form an interface between the components, a curable adhesive being provided at the interface; locating a pressurisable, fluid-filled bladder against the first component such that the first component is sandwiched between the second component and the bladder; locating a backing member against the bladder such that the bladder is sandwiched between the backing member and the first component; pressurising the bladder such that a consolidating pressure is exerted by the bladder on the first component to conform the first component to the second component; and curing the adhesive while the first component is conformed to the second component by the consolidating pressure.

Methods are provided for joining a composite component, such as a rotor blade of a wind turbine. Accordingly, a first blade segment is provided and a bladder assembly is positioned thereon. Additionally, an adhesive element is positioned in a first position on the first blade segment. A second blade segment is positioned with the first blade segment so as to define an inner cavity therebetween. The inner cavity contains the adhesive element and the bladder assembly, but the adhesive element does not contact the second blade segment while in the first position. The bladder assembly is inflated to transition the adhesive element to a second position in contact with both the first blade segment and the second blade segment. With the adhesive element in contact with both blade segments, the adhesive element is allowed to cure in order to secure the blade segments to one another.

The invention relates to a method for joining fiber-plastic composite (FPC) components, in particular aircraft FPC components, comprising the following steps: i) providing a first and a second FPC component, the first FPC component having a recess; ii) introducing a stabilizing device into the recess of the first FPC component, the stabilizing device having a basic body with a cavity, an opening and a pressing element, which pressing element has at least partially a higher flexibility than the base body; iii) filling the cavity with a fluid, so that the pressing element is pressed against a delimiting surface of the first FPC component, which delimits the recess; iv) connecting the first FPC component to the second FPC component by joining at a connecting point, wherein a pressure force, is exerted onto the connecting point by means of the pressing element for stabilizing the form of the recess.

A production line for PFCs with FMDs includes a conveyor system, a supply system, and an installation system. The conveyor system is operable to convey PFCs. The supply system includes a roller stage. The roller stage operable to feed FMDs. The installation system includes an installation tool. The installation tool includes a mandrel, a platen, a platen heater, and a platen actuator. The installation tool is configured to receive FMDs from the roller stage in part around the mandrel and in part around the platen, configured to insert into PFCs on the conveyor system, and operable to install FMDs thereto by the operation of the platen heater to heat the platen and the platen actuator to radially expand the platen.