This chapter discusses the tooling used for autoclave curing, one of the most common composite fabrication processes. The discussion covers curing practices, material selection factors, and design challenges associated with thermal expansion, tool shrinkage, part complexity, and heating and cooling rates. The chapter also includes best practices and recommendations for toolmaking and assembly.

This chapter familiarizes readers with the many and varied thermoset composite fabrication processes and the types of applications for which they were developed. It describes wet lay-up, prepreg lay-up, and low-temperature vacuum bag curing prepreg processes, which are best suited for low-volume, medium-sized and larger parts. It also discusses filament winding and preforming processes (including weaving, knitting, stitching, and braiding) in addition to resin-transfer molding, resin film infusion, and pultrusion.