AUTOCLAVE
MOLDING PROCESS
Procedure:
- Cutting
prepreg to shape
- Prepreg
layup
- Preparation
of bleeder/breather system
- Bagging
- Cure
cycle (time / temperature, pressure, vacuum cycle)
- Demolding
Applications:
- Advanced
composites (military, aerospace, transportation, infrastructure,
marine)
- Ease
of processing (fewer restrictions on size and shape)
- Labor
intensive, low volume, high manufacturing cost
Materials:
- Prepreg
(pre-impregnated
reinforcement)
- Reinforcement;
Glass, carbon, kevlar fibers and fabrics
- Resins:
Thermosets (epoxy, polyester, polyimide), thermoplastics
(PEEK)
Equipment:
- Autoclave
(heating/cooling), mold , pressure source, vacuum pump
Layup Assembly
Prepreg Lay up |
Autoclave |
Demonstration
of laminate layup for autoclave processing
in composites class at Northwestern University
|
