The Advanced Composite Research Unit (ACRU) Composites Laboratory houses an American Autoclave, which is used for manufacturing of high-quality polymer matrix composite components.
The autoclave is used for curing of polymer matrix composites under high pressure and temperature with pre-programmed cure cycles and sensors for precision monitoring of cure quality. Composite parts and specimens of highest quality commonly required for aerospace applications can be manufactured using the autoclave.
Size: 500mm diameter and 910mm length
Working temperature: 430oC
Maximum allowable working pressure: 21 bars
Pressurising medium: gaseous nitrogen
The autoclave is used for undergraduate thesis work, and postgraduate and academic research.