Gruenberg Custom Aerospace Oven Sparks New Line of Out of Autoclave Composite Curing Ovens
A well-known company in the aerospace industry contacted Thermal Product Solutions with the need for a more economical, high-performance industrial oven to cure the aerospace composite materials they use to construct large components. The solution was to create a custom out of autoclave curing oven that produced equal, if not better, quality materials in a more cost-effective and efficient way.
Aerospace Composite Curing
Until recently, the aerospace industry utilized typical autoclave processes to cure strong composite materials such as carbon fiber and epoxy resins that are used more and more to manufacture large component parts. Although effective, this process demanded high capital and large labor costs. In addition, autoclave technology has high energy consumption and the pressure vessel size limits the component size that can be cured.
These issues have fueled a growing demand for out of autoclave curing technologies. The current capabilities of Thermal Product Solutions have poised the company to readily create these custom ovens, and have sparked a new standard line of out of autoclave curing ovens.
Out of Autoclave Composite Curing Ovens
Thermal Product Solutions’ new line of ovens are not only more cost-efficient, but also eliminate void content to less than one percent, provide flexibility for curing components of complex contours, shapes and sizes, and reduce cycle times. The ovens can cure advanced materials including carbon fiber, ceramics, Kevlar®, Nomex®, thermoset, thermoplastic resins, epoxies, aramids, glass fibers and nano materials.
Standard out of autoclave composite curing ovens feature:
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+/- 5°F Uniformity
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Temperature processing up to 350°F
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High volume, vertical-up air circulation system
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7” Allen Bradley color touchscreen controller
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Yokogawa overtemperature controller
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Ethernet connectivity plus RS-232 and USB
Thermal Product Solutions can also provide custom features such as vertical, pneumatically operated doors and safety features. From consulting and engineering to design analysis, the SPX team can ensure proper curing that meets your unique standards. Out of autoclave ovens can also be used to cure materials for sports and recreation, marine, automotive and wind/energy components and parts.