Question 1

What is the difference between autoclave and oven curing?

Accepted Answer

Autoclave curing uses both heat and pressure (up to 6-8 bar) to cure composite parts, producing zero-void laminates with superior mechanical properties and excellent surface finish. Oven curing uses only heat and vacuum without applied pressure, resulting in good properties at lower cost. Autoclave is preferred for structural aerospace parts and show-quality surfaces, while oven curing works well for prototypes, tooling, and non-critical structures.

Question 2

What materials can you work with for composite manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

We work with carbon fiber (dry fabric and prepreg), fiberglass (E-glass and S-glass), Kevlar/aramid, hybrid fabrics, and various core materials (foam, honeycomb, balsa). For resins, we use epoxy systems (room temperature, elevated temperature, and high-temperature), vinyl ester, and polyester resins. We help select the optimal material combination based on your performance requirements and budget.

Question 3

How long does composite manufacturing take?

Accepted Answer

Lead times depend on process, part complexity, and production volume. Typical timeframes: Wet layup prototypes 3-7 days, Vacuum infusion parts 1-2 weeks, Oven-cured parts 1-3 weeks, Autoclave parts 2-4 weeks. Complex tooling, detailed engineering, or multi-part assemblies may require additional time. Contact us for project-specific timelines.

Question 4

Can you manufacture certified aerospace composite parts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we manufacture composite parts to aerospace standards using autoclave curing with documented process parameters, traceability, and quality control. While we can produce parts meeting aerospace specifications, final certification typically requires customer-specific qualification testing. We work closely with aerospace clients to meet their quality and documentation requirements.

Question 5

What size parts can you manufacture?

Accepted Answer

Our autoclave and oven capacities accommodate a wide range of part sizes. Vacuum infusion and wet layup are not size-limited by equipment and can produce very large structures such as boat hulls, architectural panels, and large aerospace components. Contact us with your specific size requirements for capability confirmation.

Question 6

Do you provide design assistance for composite parts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our engineering team provides Design for Manufacturing (DFM) support including laminate design and fiber orientation optimization, core material selection, process recommendation, structural analysis if needed, tooling design consultation, and cost-reduction strategies. We help ensure your composite part is optimized for both performance and manufacturability.

Question 7

What is the minimum order quantity for composite manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

We work with quantities from single prototypes to production runs of hundreds of parts. Composite manufacturing is ideal for low to medium volumes (1-1,000 units) where metal tooling costs would be prohibitive. Each project is quoted individually based on complexity, materials, and volume.

Question 8

Can you create composite parts from a sample or existing part?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer reverse engineering services using our 3D scanning capabilities. We can digitize existing parts, create CAD models, and manufacture reproductions or improved versions. This is ideal for replacing legacy components, upgrading materials, or producing parts when original tooling is unavailable.

Question 9

What is VARTM and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

VARTM (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding), also called resin infusion, is a process where dry fiber reinforcements are laid on a mold, vacuum bagged, and liquid resin is drawn through the fibers using vacuum pressure. Atmospheric pressure compacts the fibers while drawing resin through flow channels to saturate the reinforcement. The part then cures at room temperature or with applied heat. VARTM is ideal for large composite structures like boat hulls, wind turbine blades, and architectural panels.

Question 10

How do composite parts compare to metal parts?

Accepted Answer

Composites offer 5-10x better strength-to-weight ratios than steel or aluminum, making them ideal for weight-critical applications. They provide superior corrosion resistance, excellent fatigue resistance, and design flexibility for complex shapes. However, composites have higher material costs, longer manufacturing times for low volumes, and require different joining methods than welding. We help you determine if composites are the right choice for your application.

3D Scanning

3D Scanning | Precision Digital Replication

Composite Manufacturing

Advanced Composite Manufacturing | Carbon Fiber, Autoclave & Resin Infusion Services

What is Composite Manufacturing?

Composite manufacturing industries served

Our Composite Manufacturing Processes & Capabilities

Our Composite Manufacturing Processes & Capabilities

Wet Layup / Hand Layup

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