PROVISION ON THE FORM OF ASSOCIATED STATES

摘要

A method of molding composite articles including arranging a pair of matched-tool mold sections in an opposed relationship, each mold section having a rigid housing and a thin, semi-rigid membrane removably and sealably mounted on the housing so as to define a fluid-tight chamber; filling the fluid-tight chambers with a non-compressible backing fluid; and accommodating thermal expansion of the backing fluid by an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid tight chambers. The method further includes defining a mold plenum between the semi-rigid membranes when the mold sections are closed together; inserting reinforcement materials between the semi-rigid membranes prior to closing the mold sections; and injecting and curing a molding fluid after closing the mold sections. A step for regulating the temperature of the backing fluid may be included wherein a system of coils extend within each fluid tight chamber and wherein the coils are connected to an external heater/chiller unit and the coils are operative to circulate a temperature control fluid therethrough.