MAQUINA Y METODO DE CONFORMADO DE UN LARGUERO COMPUESTO

Un aparato (10) para formar materiales compuestos, el aparato que comprende: un marco (12); un molde unido al marco (12); un mandril (92) admisible dentro del marco (12) y el molde; un dispositivo de arrastre (50) dispuesto de forma móvil para arrastrar una carga compuesta a una posición predeterminada en el mandril (92); y un dispositivo de indexación que se dispone para detener el dispositivo de arrastre (50) cuando la carga compuesta está en la posición predeterminada en el mandril (92). A machine and a method for forming composite materials are provided. The machine includes a frame and at least one forming beam attached to the frame, the at least one beam being arranged to align with a mandrel. The forming beam is pivotally segmented into at least two segments to conform to the shape of the mandrel, or alternately is bendable to conform to the shape of the mandrel. The mandrel is receivable within the frame in alignment with the forming beam. An apparatus is also provided to position a composite charge over the mandrel, and to position the mandrel within the frame. A further apparatus is provided to transport the mandrel, and to urge the mandrel toward the forming beam, forming a composite charge.