Control of Composite Cure Processes

The control of a composite cure process is an attempt to minimize thermal and pressure gradients within a laminate. The sources of these gradients (fabrication support materials, tooling, part geometry) were investigated for process significance. In addition, the concept of using engineering cure behavior transformation diagrams (heat rate and cure temperature effects on the reaction dynamics of a material) was used to evaluate the effects of gradients on the consistency of laminate processability. Control of these gradients was achieved by the use of an automated composite control system (known as CAPS) developed by Applied Polymer Technology.