Jig for assembling large composite panels

Layup of composite panels as large as 15 by 60 ft is greatly facilitated by simple mechanism. Jig consists of flat, detachable table, and curved laminating-plate joined by rack and pinion to insure accurate registration. Vacuum holds thin plastic film to laminating-plate. Preimpregnated composite sheet is applied to plate, which is then lowered face down onto table. Release of vacuum leaves layer and film and table. Film is peeled off, and steps are repeated for next layer of laminate.