A Review on Advanced Out-of-Autoclave Composites Processing

Abstract

Traditional autoclave curing has been the process of choice for aerospace related composites manufacturing. This technology has been by and large limited to aerospace applications primarily due to high cost. This has motivated many researchers and industries to consider an out-of-autoclave (OoA) alternative for non-aerospace applications, and of late, even for aerospace applications. During the last couple of decades number of autoclave substitutes have been developed and demonstrated by the technologists around the globe. This review provides information on leading OoA technologies that are used for various applications. The theoretical and practical aspects as well as merits and demerits of these processes are presented in this review. Future areas of development are also discussed.