What is autoclave curing?
Autoclave curing is (typically referring to) the process of bonding multiple materials into a single material with the use of an autoclave. Contrary to popular definition, not all autoclaves are steam-filled for processing or intended for sterilization. In composite processing, a dry-air autoclave is pressurized with air or Nitrogen gas and heating via internally mounted electric or other type of heating coils. Under external equal pressure and heat, specialized materials will bond or “cure” in an autoclave. The process is intended to produce certain properties unfound in raw materials such as light weight with great strength or specific type of rigidity. Materials with great strength and light weight are advantageous to many industries such as aerospace, automotive, and many others. See www.aschome.com and google “787 autoclave” for more information.