Out-of-autoclave processingOOA

The curing of composite laminates in a heated pressure vessel, which applies elevated temperature and gas pressure in addition to vacuum-bag consolidation. The combination suppresses voids and delivers the high, repeatable laminate quality required for primary aerospace structures.

A closed-mould process in which dry reinforcement is laid into a mould, sealed under a vacuum bag, and liquid resin is drawn through the fibre stack by vacuum alone. It achieves higher fibre content and lower void levels than open moulding, with much lower workshop emissions.

The manufacture of composite parts from reinforcement pre-impregnated with a controlled amount of partially cured resin. Plies are cut, laid into a mould and debulked, then consolidated and cured under heat and pressure, typically in an autoclave or oven, giving very consistent fibre and resin content.

The programmed schedule of temperature, pressure and vacuum against time under which a thermosetting laminate or adhesive is cured, including heating ramps, dwells and cool-down. The cycle is defined in the material's processing data and qualified for the specific part and process.