Advanced single vacuum bag process and assembly for polymer composite manufacturing and repair

Abstract

Advanced single vacuum bag (ASVB) fabrication methods and assemblies are provided to manufacture and repair polymer composites whereby a rigid check plate is mounted over an uncured laminate by a thermally collapsible check plate stand. The check plate stand thereby maintains a gap between the check plate and the uncured laminate during first stage processing conditions, yet is capable of thermally collapsing during subsequent second stage processing conditions to thereby allow the check plate to fall into compressive contact with the uncured laminate After the check plate collapses onto the uncured laminate, the compressive force of the check plate will be transferred to the laminate to consolidate the laminate as desired and thereby form an at least partially cured polymer composite structure of high quality.