Thermal curing is a critical step in manufacturing quality composite materials.
Traditionally, most composite parts required autoclaves for proper curing. Today, low
cost out-of-autoclave curing of aerospace-grade composite parts is possible using a
vacuum bagging system with a walk-in batch oven. The process is precisely controlled and
monitored to ensure void-free composite parts.
Despatch provides complete composite curing systems that include a custom configured
oven, integrated multi-port vacuum system, and Focal Point Process Controller. The
system meets AMS2750, BAC5621, NADCAP and AS9100 requirements and has been utilized by
the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers.
Airflow is a critical factor in achieving uniformly cured composite parts and no one has
more experience with the dynamics of thermal airflow than Despatch. Our ovens are known
for exceptional temperature uniformity and our proprietary Focal Point Control System
has been specifically designed to provide the process control, data acquisition and
reporting needed for complex composite curing.
Large Capacity Walk-In Ovens
The 476 and 952 cubic foot capacity Despatch
TAD/TFD walk-in ovens feature uniflow airflow to ensure uniform temperatures
throughout the oven. These large models are often used as the basis for
composite curing systems with Focal Point Software and vacuum ports added.
Maximum temperature is 343°C (650°F).
LEARN MORE
TA Composite Curing Oven
These walk-in ovens are designed for industrial
process versatility, dependability and economical utilization of facility space.
They are typically used for aging, curing, bonding, annealing, drying, baking
and heat treating. TA Composite Curing Ovens offer customers a variety of
beneficial features, including vacuum ports, lift doors, and tight temperature
uniformities.
LEARN
MORE
Vacuum Bagging and Pressure Control
System
The Despatch composite curing system offers an
integrated, multi-port vacuum system and jack panels to connect as many
thermocouples as needed for monitoring the curing process. Mold preparation,
including preheating, drying and cleaning processes, can also be provided.
LEARN MORE
Focal Point™ Process Control
Despatch composite curing systems are available with
Focal Point™, an intuitive, PC-based process control system that is user
friendly and easy to navigate. Focal Point™ fully controls the curing process
and documents all process information, providing traceability and validation of
part quality.
LEARN MORE
Composite Curing Brochure
Composite Curing Oven Technology
The anchor of the Despatch composite curing system is an oven that
delivers exceptional temperature uniformity for perfectly cured parts.
Multiple thermocouples are connected through jack panel arrays to fully
monitor the part as well as the oven temperature.
- Flexible and customizable to specific composite curing requirements
- Tight uniformity, standard at +/-5°C or better
- Electrically heated or gas fired
- Custom airflow to optimize heat transfer to unique molds
Integrated multi-port vacuum systems

Out-of-autoclave curing requires a vacuum bagging system to apply
pressure to the composite to eliminate voids. The Despatch vacuum system
includes a vacuum pump and ports that can be added to suit your needs.
- Vacuum pump and all required components for complete system
- Vacuum monitoring with data recording throughout cure cycle
- Stringent vacuum stability tolerances less than 1 Hg loss per hour
at 25Hg
Focal Point™ Process Control System

Tight process control and monitoring is critical for consistent quality
parts. Focal Point™ fully controls the curing process and documents all
process information, providing traceability and validation of part
quality.
- PC-based system with Ethernet communication
- All relevant process data is saved on system PC and can be accessed
from plant computer system
- Standard and customized reporting capability to validate process
- Vacuum and pressure system can be monitored and controlled from
display
You
may also be interested in: