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An autoclave for composites is the key process technology when fiber-reinforced composite parts must be cured under pressure and temperature—safely, uniformly, and with full traceable documentation.
Maschinenbau Scholz designs and manufactures autoclave systems for composite applications in aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and industrial production. Each system is engineered to project requirements—matched to part geometry, target cycle times, temperature uniformity, and documentation needs.
Implementation includes engineering, manufacturing, commissioning, and service—compliant with relevant pressure vessel and safety requirements.
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Operational Advantages
Why an Autoclave for Composites Ensures Process Stability
In industrial production, process stability directly impacts quality and cost efficiency. An autoclave for composites must ensure temperature uniformity across the entire usable chamber, maintain stable pressure conditions, and deliver reproducible ramp profiles.
Even small temperature gradients can lead to delamination or incomplete curing. That’s why airflow management and precise control technology are central to the design.
- Around 70 years of experience in the design and manufacture of hot air autoclaves
- Products specially tailored to the production requirements of our customers
- Efficient process control for reduced operating costs and emissions
- Process control by PC as a single solution, redundant system or programmer with visualisation
- Optionally with software for automatic process data analysis
- Flow-optimised feeding area
- Guaranteed temperature accuracy
- Fast-opening closure system for the shortest possible processes
- Proven and maintenance-friendly design for durability and reliability
- Fast and reliable installation on site thanks to sophisticated technology
- Patented pre-cooling for differentiated cooling with various temperature gradients
- Fully automated operation possible
- Power failure proof
- Glandless, low-maintenance fan drive
- Extensive documentation for uncomplicated acceptance on site
- Long term spare parts availability
- Competent advice and support during the entire service life of the system
- Delivery of peripheral components such as air tank, compressor, vacuum station and cooling water station
Autoclave Process for Fiber-Reinforced Composite Parts
Autoclave curing is based on the controlled interaction of temperature, pressure, and vacuum. The goal is to minimize porosity and ensure complete polymerization of the resin system.
During the process, the component follows precisely defined temperature and pressure ramp profiles. Applied pressure increases the fiber volume fraction, while the temperature profile controls the chemical curing of the matrix material.
An industrial autoclave for composites ensures:
stable pressure profiles
uniform temperature distribution
traceable process data
reliable vacuum supply
Have your process requirements analyzed now!
Typical Applications for an Autoclave for Composites
Hot air autoclave systems are used whenever fiber-reinforced composite parts must be treated under defined temperature conditions and cured reliably. This applies in particular to prepreg processing as well as to carbon-fiber components and high-value honeycomb sandwich structures. The so-called prepreg process involves processing pre-impregnated fiber reinforcements with a predefined resin content.
Especially for complex geometries and aerospace applications, reproducible heat distribution is essential to achieve consistent material properties, dimensional stability, and surface quality.
Our systems are used, for example, for the production of:
automotive body parts and structural components manufactured using prepreg processing
exterior cladding elements, interior trim components, and seat shells
wheel covers and wheel fairings
wind turbine components
aerospace components, including carbon-fiber parts and honeycomb sandwich structures
These parts require uniform thermal treatment with precisely defined temperature profiles—well supported by the high-performance solutions from Maschinenbau Scholz.
Autoclave Solutions for Carbon Fiber Composite Parts
Scholz autoclave systems are also engineered for applications involving carbon fiber, carbon composite materials, and other high-performance fiber-reinforced structures. In these applications, the system design must be matched precisely to part dimensions, lay-up concept, loading requirements, and the overall curing task. This applies in particular to demanding carbon fiber composites used for structural parts, visible components, and complex composite geometries. As a result, each autoclave carbon fiber application is configured project-specifically to the respective component and production environment.
Pressure: The available pressure range enables reliable curing of a wide variety of composite systems. Depending on the resin system and part requirements, pressure is applied in a targeted way to reduce porosity and optimize the fiber volume fraction. The specific configuration is engineered to project requirements.
Temperature: The extended temperature range allows processing of a wide variety of resin and matrix systems. Precisely controlled heating and cooling ramp profiles ensure that temperature gradients are minimized and defined curing cycles are reproducibly maintained within the autoclave for composites.
Feeding Diameter: The variable loading diameter enables processing of both compact components and large-format composite structures. Dimensions are tailored to the part geometry, loading concept, and airflow design within the autoclave for composites.
Feeding Length: Large loading lengths allow the integration of elongated or segmented fiber-reinforced composite components. The system design ensures uniform temperature distribution across the entire usable chamber and considers all requirements for loading and unloading within the autoclave for composites.
Certified quality
Engineering and System Design of an Autoclave for Composites
Since the 1950s, Scholz has been developing autoclaves for composite applications. This long-standing expertise is incorporated into every system concept.
In fact, SCHOLZ built its first autoclave for composite processing as early as the 1950s for a globally recognized aircraft manufacturer, whose director at the time was a pioneer in composite technology.
Case Studies: Implemented Autoclave for Composites Projects
Many producers rely on the quality of our hot air autoclaves for composite. Here, you can find some examples of our realised projects.
Hot air autoclave for the production of aircraft door frames
- Pressure: 0 - 12 bar
- Termperature: 0 - +250°C
- Feeding diameter: 4500 mm
- Feeding length: 11000 mm
- Material pressure device: steel
- Material internal installations: steel
- Operation of the door: electrically
- Heating: electric
*) Further dimensions and performance data available upon request
Hot air autoclave for the production of aircraft body components
- Pressue: 0 - 12 bar*
- Temperature: 0 - +220°C*
- Feeding diameter: 9000 mm
- Feeding length: 25000 mm
- Material pressure device: steel
- Material internal installations: steel
- Operation of the door: electrically
- Heating: Indirect oil
*) Further dimensions and performance data available upon request
Hot air autoclave for the aerospace industry
- Pressure: 0 - 10 bar
- Temperature: 0 - +250°C
- Feeding diameter: 5500 mm
- Feeding length: 12000 mm
- Material pressure device: steel
- Material internal installations: steel
- Operation of the door: electrically
- Heating: indirect oi
*) Further dimensions and performance data available upon request
Hot air autoclave for the motorsport
- Pressure: 0 - 10 bar
- Temperature: 0 - +250°C
- Feeding diameter/height: 1500 mm / 1000 mm
- Feeding length: 3300 mm
- Material pressure device: steel
- Material internal installations: stainless steel
- Operation of the door: pneumatically
- Heating: electric
*) Further dimensions and performance data available upon request
Hot air autoclave for the cycling sport
- Pressure: 0 - 8.5 bar
- Temperature: 0 - +200°C
- Feeding diameter/height: 1450 mm / 950 mm
- Feeding length: 2700 mm
- Material pressure device: steel
- Material internal installations: steel
- Operation of the door: manually
- Heating: electric
*) Further dimensions and performance data available upon request
Transport and Installation of a Large-Scale Autoclave for Composites System
Delivering an autoclave for composites project goes beyond design engineering—it includes manufacturing, logistics, transport, and precise on-site installation. Especially for large-volume systems, every phase requires detailed planning and coordinated execution.
The following video provides an insight into the implementation of such a project and highlights the system dimensions as well as the technical and organizational expertise involved in plant engineering and installation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Autoclave for Composites Systems
Which composite parts can be processed with Scholz systems?
The systems are designed for a wide range of fiber-reinforced composite parts, including seat shells, cladding elements, body parts, wind turbine components, and interior trim components.
Which fiber-reinforced material systems can be processed in Scholz composite autoclaves?
Scholz composite autoclaves are engineered for a wide range of fiber-reinforced material systems, including carbon fiber composites, prepreg composites, and other technical composite materials. Depending on part design, resin system, and process requirements, each autoclave is configured project-specifically for the respective curing task.
Do you also offer used autoclaves?
Yes. Maschinenbau Scholz offers retrofit and modernization programs for used composite autoclaves—technically refurbished and equipped with updated control systems. This can be a cost-effective option for certain applications.
Can systems be adapted to individual part sizes?
Yes. Maschinenbau Scholz systems follow a modular design and can be customized in size, loading concept, airflow management, and process control to match your requirements.
What pressure ranges are possible in an autoclave for composites?
The configuration is engineered to project requirements. Depending on the component and material system, different pressure levels can be implemented.
How is temperature uniformity ensured in an autoclave for composites?
Uniform temperature distribution is achieved through flow-optimized airflow design, high-performance heating systems, and precise control technology across the usable chamber.
Is modernization or retrofitting of existing systems possible?
Depending on the system design, existing autoclave installations can be technically assessed and upgraded—for example in control systems, peripherals, or energy efficiency.
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