Elastomeric tooling uses rubber details to generate required molding pressure or to serve as a pressure intensifier during composite part curing cycles. This article discusses the various aspects of the forms of commercially available bag-side elastomeric caul systems. It describes the two basic methods, such as the trapped or fixed volume rubber method and the variable-volume rubber method, of elastomeric tooling, which use the principles of thermal expansion molding. The significant properties and controlling equations that are required to characterize elastomeric tooling material are also discussed.

Autoclave molding is a process used to impart a controlled heat and pressure cycle cure to a layup. This article describes the materials used for preparing a layup, including peel ply, separator, bleeder, barrier, breather, dam, and vacuum bag. It describes the major elements and functions of an autoclave system, including pressure vessel, gas stream heating and circulation sources, gas stream pressurizing systems, vacuum systems, control systems, and loading systems. The article includes information about modified autoclaves for specialized applications and safety practices in autoclave molding. It also describes the tooling configuration and type of tooling which includes aluminum and steel tooling, electroformed nickel tooling, graphite-epoxy tooling, and elastomeric tooling.

Filament winding is a process for fabricating a composite structure in which continuous reinforcements, either previously impregnated with a matrix material or impregnated during winding, are placed over a rotating form or mandrel in a prescribed way to meet certain stress conditions. This article describes the advancements in filament-winding and lists the advantages and disadvantages of filament winding. The article discusses the effects of fiber tension in filament winding and the selection of fibers, resins, and materials for filament winding. It discusses the three basic filament-winding patterns, such as helical, polar, and hoop. The article presents information on the applications of filament winding, including rocket motors, natural gas vehicle (NGV) tanks, and sporting goods. It recommends basic design guidelines for filament-winding design/manufacturing process and concludes with a discussion on fabrication recommendations.