Abstract:
Provided are a composite tool and a method for forming composite components. The composite tool includes a three dimensionally printed polymer body, the body having a geometry corresponding to at least one surface of a gas turbine component; and a coating overlaying the body, the coating providing the printed polymer body a greater resistance to heat exposure than an uncoated printed polymer body. The method for forming a composite component includes providing a composite tool; laying-up a plurality of composite plies on a surface of the composite tool; densifying the composite plies to form a composite component; and removing the composite tool from the composite component. The composite component includes a surface geometry corresponding to at least a portion of the composite tool. Also provided is a method of forming the composite tool.