Out of Autoclave
OOA Technology
Looking for an alternative to conventional high-pressure autoclave curing process to manufacture composite material? Out-of-autoclave (OOA) composite production is a process that produces the same quality product as autoclave, but through a different manufacturing process. OOA curing achieves the desired fiber content as well as elimination of voids by placing layup within a closed mold and applying pressure, vacuum, and heat.
OOA technology is a cost-effective way to manufacture different parts in the different sectors as per the requirements.
Out-of-autoclave (OOA) composite production is an alternate to conventional high pressure autoclave curing process to manufacture composite material. OOA is a process that produces the same quality product as autoclave; however, through a different manufacturing process. OOA curing achieves the desired fibre content as well as elimination of voids by placing layup within closed mold and applying pressure, vacuum, and heat.
Autoclave-Free Composites
Out-of-autoclave (OOA) processing refers to the manufacture of composite parts with low defect levels and high performance without a pressurized autoclave vessel. OOA processing offers several potential advantages over traditional autoclave cure, including lower capital acquisition and operating costs, use of a wider range of cure infrastructure, tooling, and materials, a broader subcontractor base, and the capacity to fabricate large, integrated structures whose size exceeds that of available pressure vessels. However, OOA processing also presents several challenges: materials and methods are often more complex than their autoclave counterparts and, in the absence of high pressure, process phenomena are more sensitive to unwanted deviations. OOA technology is a cost-effective way to manufacture different parts in the different sectors as per the requirements. Out-of-autoclave manufacturing technology is very promising since it only requires a traditional oven, while still aiming at similar part quality.
Historically, many composite components have been manufactured using autoclave technology, which applies steam, heat, and high pressure in a liquid nitrogen environment to create the low-to-no void bonds necessary to combine two or more different materials to form a composite part. However, the extremely capital-intensive equipment costs, high operational costs, slow curing-cycle times, inability to make in-process adjustments, pressure-vessel size limitations, and other disadvantages associated with autoclave curing have caused manufacturers to seek less costly, more versatile, out of autoclave composite-curing technologies.
Superior OOA Solutions
Prazastinav is your out of autoclave, composite curing solution. Our custom, composite curing ovens and process control systems are capable of curing all advanced composite materials such as carbon fibres, ceramics, Kevlar, Nomex, thermoset, thermoplastic resins, epoxies, aramids, glass fibres, and nano-materials. Products produced via Prazastinav OOA processes have superior properties to products fabricated by conventional atmospheric cure techniques and have properties generally equal to or better than high pressure autoclave techniques.
Prazastinav process cycle times are typically 30-60 minutes for most resin systems, a significant time saving over the 3-8 hours required in autoclave curing processes, while achieving aerospace-grade void contents of less than 2 percent.
At Prazastinav, we’re known for our customized thermal-processing solutions. Our Out-of-Autoclave Composite Curing Oven is the result of that process. Its flexible design can cure composite materials of complex contours, shapes, and sizes, with little or no void content.
If your composite-curing needs require a fully customized solution, contact us. Prazastinav’s engineering and design experts are able to create the right solution for you.