A method and apparatus for forming a bend in composite panel. A method for forming a bend in a composite panel comprises forming a slot having a curved flange in the composite panel, inserting a sheet into the curved flange, and bending the composite panel with the slot and the sheet within the curved flange about a longitudinal axis of the slot to form the bend.

A method of manufacturing a turbine disk includes the steps of machining an initial slot using a cutting tool and machining intermediate and semi finished slot using a form tool that forms surfaces of the slot except for the bottom surface. A final finishing step utilizes a cutting tool that includes a shape that forms the bottom portion of the disk slot.