Originally Posted by lavey jr (Post 4522688)

Not too sure... I've never seen in person nor picture proof of an actual autoclave in performance boating.

Post-cure and Autoclave is very different. During post-cure, it's essentially that. The mold and part is put into a big oven, such as powder coated products, to either further maximize the cure of the part or if epoxy resin is used it brings the resin up to its particular temperature it requires to cure. Autoclave is the process when the part in the mold is put under vacuum (vacuum bag) then at the same time while being under vacuum it goes into the oven/room that is sealed and the entire room is heated and pressurized. Essentially the part itself receives double pressure and when heat is also introduced it allows the resin/carbon to flow together on a molecular level becoming one.

Originally Posted by Keith Atlanta (Post 4522715)

Only reason I ask is I've worked in aerospace for a long time. An autoclave to hold a hull is a BIG autoclave an expensive autoclave too. GKN and Boeing have them but I cant imagine anyone else that has one that is bigger than a small mini van.

Originally Posted by lavey jr (Post 4522717)

Funny. I'm a Navy Anviation Engineer so I know exactly what you're saying. An expensive autoclave is an understatement to any performance boat manufacturer to actually have a system that can support the requirements of a REAL autoclave.

But nonetheless, the infusion process that Eliminator, and various other companies are doing, is a great step above the standard "old school" lamination.

Originally Posted by lavey jr (Post 4522688)

Not too sure... I've never seen in person nor picture proof of an actual autoclave in performance boating.

Post-cure and Autoclave is very different. During post-cure, it's essentially that. The mold and part is put into a big oven, such as powder coated products, to either further maximize the cure of the part or if epoxy resin is used it brings the resin up to its particular temperature it requires to cure. Autoclave is the process when the part in the mold is put under vacuum (vacuum bag) then at the same time while being under vacuum it goes into the oven/room that is sealed and the entire room is heated and pressurized. Essentially the part itself receives double pressure and when heat is also introduced it allows the resin/carbon to flow together on a molecular level becoming one.

Originally Posted by Bostonirish (Post 4522791)

So what would be the difference in an autoclave and an oven?