A method for consolidating a thermoplastic component includes positioning a thermoplastic vacuum bagging film (e.g., PAEK or PEEK) over a thermoplastic preform (e.g., PPS or LM PAEK) to be consolidated, vacuum consolidating the thermoplastic component with the thermoplastic vacuum bagging film to form the thermoplastic component, and removing the thermoplastic vacuum bagging film from the consolidated thermoplastic component.

Resin infusing a composite preform includes placing a first vacuum bagging film over a tool surface and the composite preform to define a sealed first chamber. A bridge structure has an underside defining a cavity above the first vacuum bagging film. A second vacuum bagging film is placed over the first vacuum bagging film and the bridge structure to define a sealed second chamber. At least partial vacuum pressure is applied to the first chamber to drive resin from a resin supply through the first chamber, infusing the composite preform with resin. Partial vacuum pressure is applied inside the second chamber and an exterior pressure is applied outside the second vacuum bagging film while. The exterior pressure exceeds the pressure applied to the first and second chambers, thereby compacting the composite preform outside of a region, with the bridge supporting the second vacuum bagging film against the exterior pressure.

A vacuum bag sealing system may include a composite bagging sheet, and at least one interlocking strip connected to a surface of the composite bagging sheet, wherein the interlocking strip is configured to join a first section of the composite bagging sheet to a second section of the composite bagging sheet to form a sealed vacuum bag.

A pliable structure includes a first impermeable layer, a second impermeable layer opposed from the first impermeable layer to at least partially define an internal volume between the first impermeable layer and the second impermeable layer, and a flow media layer disposed in the internal volume.

Bi— or multicomponent fibre (3) comprising a reinforcing core (1) of a first material and at least one sheath (2) of a second, thermoplastic or pre-polymerized thermoset material, for the manufacturing of composite parts, the matrix of which composite parts consists of the material of said sheath (2), wherein said first material has a degradation temperature, ignition temperature, glass transition temperature, melting temperature or liquidus temperature which is higher than the melting temperature, flowing temperature, r softening temperature of said second, thermoplastic or pre-polymerized thermoset material, wherein said reinforcing core (1) has a core volume fraction (v.sub.f) defined as the volume fraction of the reinforcing core (1) in the bi- or multicomponent fibre (3), which is in the range of 0.3-0.8, and wherein along a longitudinal axis (Z) of the bi- or multicomponent fibre outer surface (4) of the sheath (2) has a corrugated, preferably irregular corrugated shape.

Disclosed is a liquid-impermeable air diffuser developed for use in vacuum assisted infusion methods, which are the methods for producing the fiber-reinforced polymeric composite materials for sectors such as energy, wind turbine, transportation, automotive, marine, defense, aerospace, urban goods, water slides, and sports equipment (ski, snowboard, surfing, etc.).

A composite skin and composite stiffeners are co-cured in an autoclave. Uncured stiffeners are placed in channels of a tool, and an uncured skin is placed on the tool contacting the stiffeners. The vacuum bag is sealed over the tool. Bladders placed in the stiffeners are exposed to autoclave pressure through a manifold system employing vent tubes that pass through the vacuum bag along a side of the tool.

Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a location for placing the composite part on the tool, and to direct the dispensers to lay up a laminate of constituent material for the composite part at the location. The controller is also able to direct the dispensers to spray vacuum bag material atop the laminate to form a vacuum bag that covers the laminate.

An embossed release film for use in a vacuum bagging system during a process of curing a composite part includes a raised pattern defining an upper air pathway and a lower air pathway. The raised pattern defining the upper air pathway and the lower air pathway negates the need for a breather fabric that is included in conventional vacuum bagging systems. Providing a vacuum bagging system without a breather fabric simplifies the vacuum bagging system, satisfies lean manufacturing principles, and reduces cycle time, manufacturing cost, and waste.

One embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure may use a fixture with one or more boot recesses formed therein. An embedded member may be engaged with a boot and placed in a boot recess. Substrate lay-up may be placed around all or a portion of the embedded member and an outer member may be positioned over the substrate lay-up. A cover may be positioned over the outer member and engaged with the fixture. The pressure within an interior portion of the fixture may be reduced to less than ambient pressure and resin may be introduced to interact with the substrate lay-up and allowed to cure.