×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Autoclaves - What's involved?

Autoclaves - What's involved?

Autoclaves - What's involved?

(OP)
Out of sheer insanity, I've become interested in obtaining an autoclave to facilitate working with pre-preg carbon fiber.  Unfortunately, my searches almost exclusively turn up those used for sterilizing medical equipment.  As such, I can't even get an idea of what such a device would cost or from where I may obtain one.  Nonetheless, even if I can turn up a source, I probably won't be able to afford one.  

Fortunately, I've already admitted to being insane , so I've nothing to lose by asking the following question.  Is it even remotely feasible to build an autoclave rather than buy?  As I see it, I'll first need to construct a sizeable, pressure-rated vessel.  I have access to a great deal of large-scale metal and concrete fabrication equipment, which could come in handy.  After that, I'll need to design/integrate pressure and temperature control systems, which could be a bit trickier.  I'm sure there's more to it, though, so I come begging those more knowledgable than I for guidance.  Your suggestions (aside from those of psychotherapy) are welcome.  Thanks.

Edward Dudlik
www.becomingdigital.com

RE: Autoclaves - What's involved?

I you are in the  UK call me and  I can link  you with a couple of used plant dealers who specialise in Autoclaves for  bigger applications   Tel  01947 840 618
We have two ourselves used for heat curing of rubber lined components. Regards D W

RE: Autoclaves - What's involved?

Have you considered vacuum bagging in an oven?

RE: Autoclaves - What's involved?

(OP)
corrosionman,
Unfortunately, I'm stateside, else I'd jump on your offer.  Thanks any way.

sreid,
Heated vacuum bagging is nice, but it still only provides for a theoretical maximum of 1 atm pressure (real world probably closer to 0.75 atm).  I've got a few things in the works that are rather complex and structurally significant, so I'd like to make sure that everything bonds as desired.  Pressure goes a great way towards facilitating that.  Still, I appreciate the suggestion.  Thanks again.

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources