Out-of-Autoclave Manufactures Major Benefits

The notion of composites is all about combining materials to achieve a result better than their original form. The same can be said for the production methods that are used to manufacture composites. As the applications for composites continue to evolve, so do the advanced processes that are used to make them. Out-of-autoclave composite manufacturing is a prime example.

The out-of-autoclave curing process produces composites parts comparable to traditional high-pressure autoclave production but uses a different process to achieve the results. Some limitations of autoclave processing, such as overall cost and size limitations, have propelled the adoption of out-of-autoclave curing as a sustainable and viable approach for industries that require high-end, high-performing composites applications.

Benefits out of bounds

The cost benefits alone of out-of-autoclave vs. autoclave processing have compelled industries to take note of the advanced processing capabilities that also require less expense, including the associated tooling costs. Beyond that, reduced energy consumption and production times are also realized.

Vacuum infusion is an out-of-autoclave, closed mold process that is viable in the aerospace market to produce large, high-quality structural parts. The process is currently used to produce wings and wing boxes at increased production rates to help meet the demand for more aircraft that offer greater performance at a reduced weight.

The same benefits can be attained by manufacturers in the automotive industry to affordably produce structural and mechanical parts that offer consistency and reliability with environmental advantages.

Read more about the benefits of advanced out-of-autoclave processes in the aerospace segment.