Mandrel Patent Awarded

The patent entitled "Method of Using a Shape Memory Material as a Mandrel for Composite Part Manufacturing" was issued to CRG as U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,714.

The patent involves a method of fabricating and using a removable, inflatable mandrel of shape memory polymer for use in manufacturing composite parts including the steps of providing a processed pre-form of shape memory polymer, replicating a mold with the shape memory polymer, using the mold as a mandrel in the creation of composite parts, and removing the shape memory mandrel quickly and easily from the part without damage to the finished part. The invention relates to the making and use of shape memory polymer (SMP) molds as mandrels in a continuous filament winding process or other composite part manufacturing process. For more information on CRG's Smart Mandrels, read more about it. (9-9-2008)