In many cases, fabricated composites offer a better engineering solution than traditional metallic structures due to their lightweight and durability properties. A composite curing autoclave is a tool that allows composite manufacturers to laminate their raw materials to create a final product or material with the desired mechanical properties.
Element offers a comprehensive process for fabricating composite laminates, from manual lay-up of pre-impregnated materials to autoclave curing.
Composite fabrication process
Composite materials are manufactured by stacking different layers of carbon or glass fiber in a particular order, also known as the “stacking sequence.” These layers are joined together by embedding them into a polymer matrix, which is consolidated into a CRFP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) or a GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) laminate. Once the layers are combined, the composite is cured in an autoclave under a specified level of pressure and temperature to achieve the desired final properties.
Benefits of using a composite curing autoclave
Composite materials have become the preferred option in many Aerospace components because of their lightweight and durability properties. In order to create the most optimal composite products, autoclave curing is essential during R&D and manufacturing processes.
Utilizing Element’s composite curing autoclaves for R&D and quality assurance allows our customers to optimize the use of their in-house autoclaves for manufacturing purposes.
Composite testing at Element
Our materials testing experts work diligently to ensure your composite materials and structures are of quality and fit for purpose. We offer a wide range of composite testing services, including fabrication and autoclave curing.
For more information or to request a quote, contact us today.
More Services
Composite Material Testing
Element’s composite raw material testing helps manufacturers understand the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the constituents used to create their composite product.
Understanding Composite Compression Test Methods
While there is no set standard for testing the compressive strength of composites, our experts can help you select the test methods that will generate the required result.
Structural Testing of Composite Components
Element’s composites experts will address composite testing in the Aerospace sector and describe how this can be applied to the Automotive, Wind Energy, Medical, Railway, and Oil and Gas industry for product validations.
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