Autoclave

The autoclave processing method is one of the most widely used in the industry. It guarantees maximum precision and repeatability in the process as well as greater structural homogeneity to the composite. This system involves the use of pre-impregnated materials (pre-preg), fibreglass, carbon and aramid reinforcements impregnated with a pre-catalysed resin that only hardens when subjected to defined temperatures. The reinforcements are placed inside the mould which, once sealed and connected to the vacuum system, is positioned in the autoclave. At defined temperatures and pressures the resin crystallises and then, once cooled, the component can be removed from the mould. The vacuum created in the mould combined with the pressure exerted by the autoclave allows most of the intralaminar and surface bubbles to be removed. Some pre-pregs can also be processed without the aid of the autoclave, giving good results from both an aesthetic and mechanical point of view.