METHOD OF REDUCING SURFACE DEFORMATION FROM Z-CHANNEL CREATION

A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite includes arranging a plurality of ceramic fibers into a preform, mounting the preform within a tooling fixture, perforating the preform to form a plurality of z-channels, each of the plurality of z-channels extending completely through a thickness of the preform, pushing a pin array against a surface of the preform through infiltration holes in the tooling fixture to apply a compressive force on the preform, and subsequently, removing the pin array from the surface of the preform. The pin array includes a plurality of pins extending from a backplate. Each of the plurality of pins is aligned with a respective infiltration hole of the tooling fixture.