Introduction of autoclave

Autoclave forming process is to seal the composite blank, honeycomb sandwich structure or bonded structure on the mold with a vacuum bag, in the autoclave, in the vacuum (or non-vacuum) state, through the process of heating, pressurization, heat preservation (medium temperature or high temperature), cooling and pressure relief, so that it becomes the required shape and quality of the forming process.

Autoclave forming process is one of the main forming methods of advanced composite structure, honeycomb sandwich structure and metal or composite adhesive structure, which is widely used at present. The components manufactured can be applied to the main and secondary bearing structures in the aerospace field. The autoclave forming process is mainly suitable for the forming of most thermoset composite materials, honeycomb sandwich structure and adhesive structure.

Autoclave system to create an ideal temperature and pressure environment for the polymerization of composite materials, it is composed of the autoclave body and a series of subsystems, mainly including the following parts:

1, autoclave body;

2, pressure system;

3, vacuum system;

4, heating system;

5, cooling system;

6. Feeding system;

7. Control system;

8, blast system;

9. Instrument valve

As the main production equipment of composite parts, autoclave is a large pressure vessel with integral heating system. Its common structure is a cylinder closed at one end and open at the other end, which provides the necessary heat and pressure for the compaction and curing of composite materials. The curing temperature of commonly used aviation thermosetting materials (such as high temperature curing epoxy resin) is 175°C and the curing pressure is 600kPa, so the autoclave must be strong enough at high temperatures. This makes autoclaves quite expensive to manufacture.