We develop moulds and membrane systems for Out of Autoclave production, designed to improve laminate quality, reduce cycle times and increase the efficiency of manufacturing both solid and hollow components.
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OOA - Out of autoclave
OOA – Out of Autoclave
OOA – Out of Autoclave technology was developed to make the production of composite components more efficient, overcoming some of the typical limitations of conventional press moulding and autoclave processes.
The principle is based on the use of pressurised elastic membranes, combined with moulds specifically designed for the component and the production process.
The aesthetic surface is defined by the rigid mould, generally manufactured in aluminium for low- to medium-volume production or in steel for higher production volumes.
The moulding pressure can reach 8 bar or higher, depending on the compressed-air supply available at the customer’s facility.
Components without internal cavities
In conventional moulding with a rigid mould and punch, geometries with low draft angles can cause the prepreg to be dragged during mould closing, leading to carbon fibre wrinkling, which can compromise both the surface appearance and the quality of the component.
OOA technology replaces the rigid upper half of the mould with a flexible membrane treated with release agents, which progressively conforms to the component geometry during vacuum release and pressurisation.
Hollow components with an opening
OOA technology can also be applied to the production of hollow components with at least one opening, such as air ducts, channels or other hollow structural elements.
In this case, the component is manufactured directly in the press using two rigid mould halves and an internal flexible membrane.
During the cycle, the internal membrane is pressurised, forcing the laminate against the mould surfaces and allowing the external and internal geometries of the component to be formed simultaneously.
This process makes it possible to manufacture even geometrically complex components directly in the press, reducing or eliminating the need for vacuum bagging and autoclave processing.
The result is a faster and more industrialised process, with shorter cycle times, while maintaining a high level of surface quality.
