A mold tool for forming a reinforced matrix composite part for a gas
turbine engine, comprising a body. The body comprises a body surface
capable of receiving a first portion of a composite preform. A first
endplate and second endplate are attached to the body and include a
substantially planar surface disposed perpendicular to the body surface.
A first and second set of plates are attached to the first and second
endplate adjacent to the body surface and have a geometries that includes
a first and second cavity bounded by the first and second plate and first
and second endplate. The first and second cavities have a volume
sufficient to receive a second portion of a composite preform. The second
cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity, which is in fluid
communication with a vacuum source.