Cool-Clave—An Energy Efficient Autoclave

Out-of-autoclave (OOA) manufacturing techniques for composites result in lower fibre volume fractions than fully compressed laminates. The fraction produces a higher resin fraction, which becomes resin-rich volumes (RRV). Textile reinforcements with clustered fibres and consequent RRV generally have low strength but high in-plane process permeability, whereas the opposite is true uniformly distributed fibres. inevitable increase of OOA often compromises composite performance leads to relatively weight fuel consumption transport applications. retention autoclave processing recommended highest when compression press moulding not appropriate (for example, complex 3D components). traditional heats only component be cured also parasitic air vessel insulation. Subject minor modifications pressure vessel, electrically heated tooling could implemented. This approach would need balance insulation tool surface (and any heater blanket on counter-face) against quenching effect during introduction pressurised cool air. optimisation significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, laminate taken end dwell period before loading autoclave, leading significant reductions cure cycle times. Components simultaneously at different temperatures provided that there are sufficient power control circuits autoclave. While has usually involved vacuum-bagged pre-impregnated reinforcements, implementation cool-clave technique provide scope using vacuum-infused composites.