Importance

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Abstract

The present disclosure is drawn to a lattice support structures and methods of making such structures, including tooling and articles used therein. In one embodiment, a method for forming a composite lattice support structure can comprise: obtaining a semi-rigid mold having semi-rigid channels, at least some of the semi-rigid channels intersecting at strategic locations; laying up a fiber material, in the presence of a resin, within the semi-rigid channels forming a lay-up within the semi-rigid channels, such that the lay-up extends above the surface of the mold; consolidating the lay-up to form composite cross supports having a pre-determined lateral cross-sectional area controlled by a cross-sectional area of the channels, and that intersect to form nodes, thereby forming the composite lattice support structure; and subjecting the composite lattice support structure to a particulate, wherein the composite lattice support structure is at least partially submerged in the particulate and systematically rotated to cause the particulate to contact the various surfaces of the cross supports and nodes thereby reducing at least of portion of material on the surfaces.

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First Claim