213
8
5 Sealing putty is applied to seal the bagging film that covers
the entire mould so that the vacuum can be applied.
Autoclaving is a batch process, and the cost of processing is very
high due to the cost of consumables involved with each product. It
is primarily a process used for thermosetting resin-based composites. The world’s largest autoclave (see . Fig. 8.6) has been made
for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The jet has a diameter of 9 metres,
length of 30 metres, and gross weight of 920 tons.
5 Processability Parameters—The processability parameters for
autoclaving technology are given here.
5 Time and temperature—Time, temperature, and the cure cycle
play an important role in autoclaving technology. The temperature at which condensate comes out of the resin and the hold
time at this temperature ensure compaction in the composite.
Therefore, the processability of the composite depends upon
the hold time when the condensate comes out and the cure
time for high cross-link density, high glass transition temperature (T g ), etc. Autoclaving is often used for thermosetting
composites in which resin releases condensate and byproducts.
5 Shape and profile of the product—Sharp edges and undercuts
do not favour the processability of composites by autoclaving as they may puncture the vacuum bag.
5 Form of reinforcement—Only fabrics and CSM are used as
reinforcements in order to allow the processability of the
composite in this processing technology.
Heating elements
High
pressure
Thermocouple
Outer shell
Vacuum line
Vacuum bag
Carriage trolley
Composite layup
Insulating medium
Platform
. Fig. 8.5 Autoclave process
8.1 · Closed Mould Processing Technologies
8
5 Sealing putty is applied to seal the bagging film that covers
the entire mould so that the vacuum can be applied.
Autoclaving is a batch process, and the cost of processing is very
high due to the cost of consumables involved with each product. It
is primarily a process used for thermosetting resin-based composites. The world’s largest autoclave (see . Fig. 8.6) has been made
for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The jet has a diameter of 9 metres,
length of 30 metres, and gross weight of 920 tons.
5 Processability Parameters—The processability parameters for
autoclaving technology are given here.
5 Time and temperature—Time, temperature, and the cure cycle
play an important role in autoclaving technology. The temperature at which condensate comes out of the resin and the hold
time at this temperature ensure compaction in the composite.
Therefore, the processability of the composite depends upon
the hold time when the condensate comes out and the cure
time for high cross-link density, high glass transition temperature (T g ), etc. Autoclaving is often used for thermosetting
composites in which resin releases condensate and byproducts.
5 Shape and profile of the product—Sharp edges and undercuts
do not favour the processability of composites by autoclaving as they may puncture the vacuum bag.
5 Form of reinforcement—Only fabrics and CSM are used as
reinforcements in order to allow the processability of the
composite in this processing technology.
Heating elements
High
pressure
Thermocouple
Outer shell
Vacuum line
Vacuum bag
Carriage trolley
Composite layup
Insulating medium
Platform
. Fig. 8.5 Autoclave process
8.1 · Closed Mould Processing Technologies