Autoclave cycle optimization for high performance composite parts manufacturing

In aeronautical production, autoclave curing of composite parts must be performed according to a specified diagram of temperature and pressure vs time. Part-tool assembly thermal inertia and shape have a large influence on the heating and cooling rate, and therefore on the dwell time within the target temperature range. When simultaneously curing diverse composite parts, the total autoclave cycle time is driven by the part-tool assembly with the lower heating and cooling rates. With the aim to minimize the autoclave cycle time and energy consumption improving the manufacturing system resource efficiency, a new parameter was defined to characterize the part-tool assembly thermal and geometric properties. This parameter was applied to determine the optimal positioning of the parts on the autoclave charge floor.