Importance

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Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for rapidly producing complex aircraft assembly tools using a meltable substrate and electrodeposition. One embodiment is a method that includes forming a meltable substrate into a model that corresponds with a shape of the aircraft assembly tool, wherein the meltable substrate is integrated with an electrically conductive material. The method also includes electrodepositing metal onto the outer surface of the model to form a metal frame having the shape of the aircraft assembly tool, the metal frame having at least one hole. The method further includes melting the model to remove the meltable substrate and the electrically conductive material from the metal frame via the hole to form a hollow metal tool having the shape of the aircraft assembly tool.

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First Claim