Abstract:
Disclosed is a system and method of monitoring exerted pressure during the production of composite material laminates that utilizes a thin, low cost, durable, temperature resistant force sensing resistor (50). The sensor (50) can be embedded directly on the surface of the composite laminate (42), or can be positioned between layers of the composite laminate (42). Alternatively, the sensor (50) is built into or mounted on a tool (46) or die used to form or exert pressure on the laminate (42). In all of these cases, the force sensing resistor (50) monitors the pressure experienced by the laminate (42) during processing of the laminate (42).