Autoclave Cure

Autoclave cure is a process where heated pressure vessels are used extensively in the composites industry to cure material. These vessels are widely used in high-performance applications, including aerospace and military, where quality and material properties of parts are the top priority for ensuring an optimal final product.

Composites autoclave curing applies a combination of vacuum and external pressure. The vacuum removes air and volatiles trapped within a laminate and the external pressure suppresses any remaining vapors into the resin matrix to prevent void formation. The cure pressure also helps to consolidate the plies, yielding high-quality parts.

All CMA aerospace-grade prepreg material systems can be autoclave cured for optimum mechanical properties and porosity of less than 1 percent. Our manufacturer-recommended autoclave cure cycles can be found in the technical datasheets of each product. If you are interested in cure cycle modifications for extreme geometries or unusual tool types, please contact the Technical Services team.