Fiber-reinforced article and method of it's making

A method for use in manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite article includes assembling a ceramic fiber sheet (20) between a tool (22) and a die (24), where the tool (22) is conformable to the shape of the die (24) and the melting point of the die (24) is greater than the melting point of the tool (22). The assembly is then heated to soften the tool (22). At least one of the tool (22), the die (24) or a separate inflatable member (130) is then pressurized to conform the tool (22) and the ceramic fiber sheet (20) to the die (24). Next, the assembly is cooled and the pressure is vented before removal of the tool (22) and ceramic fiber sheet (20) from the die (24). A preceramic resin (28) with a catalyst is then applied to the ceramic fiber sheet (20) and cured at a curing temperature that is below the melting point of the tool (22), to form a preform. The tool (22) is then removed from the preform.