structurally strong composites are formed with shape memory polymer resins to create composites with shape memory properties . a system and method for using these composite structures to quickly manufacture composite products involves : 1 ) creating a preform composed of a shape memory polymer composite ; 2 ) heating or otherwise activating the shape memory polymer ; 3 ) using a mold to deform the composite material to a desired shape ; 4 ) cooling or otherwise deactivating the shape memory polymer so that the composite structure retains the desired mold shape .