Custom autoclaves
Built to your exact requirements.
When none of our standard Econoclave® models fits, we design one that does, to your exact part load, pressure, temperature, and performance.
Explore the components
Econoclave or conventional
Usually an Econoclave, sometimes not
ASC has built hundreds of custom Econoclaves. The Econoclave design is almost always the best choice: high quality and performance, low energy and nitrogen use, and lower cost of ownership for years to come.
In the few cases where it is not, such as very large cylindrical parts that need rail-only loading, ASC designs and builds a conventional annular-duct autoclave instead. We will tell you which design gives you the better value.
Built to order
Your process, your layout, your colors
Every custom autoclave is engineered around its parts and plant, down to the controls layout and the paint.
What we need to quote
Specify your autoclave
Share what you know; a sales engineer will help with the rest. Budgetary and firm fixed-price quotations are both available.
Type and design
Composites, glass, rubber, dewaxing, AAC concrete, nuclear, or other. Econoclave, conventional annular-duct, or externally insulated steam design.
Size and orientation
Horizontal or vertical, with the working diameter and length your parts and tools need.
Operating conditions
Maximum temperature and pressure. The vessel is normally designed 15 psi (1.1 bar) above maximum operating pressure.
Part and tool load
The heaviest expected load of steel, aluminum, composite, glass, or other materials, including carts.
Loading
Carts on rails (inverted V, channel, or railroad track) or loads carried by a floor designed for the full weight.
Air circulation
We suggest 250 fpm (76 m/min) for most autoclaves and 300 fpm (91 m/min) beyond 40 ft (12 m), with an optional variable-frequency fan drive.
Heating
Electric heating for best performance and value, or indirect gas-fired, gas-electric hybrid, or thermal oil for large autoclaves and limited electrical service.
Performance
Heating and cooling rates with a defined load and pressure, temperature uniformity, pressurization rates, and pressure stability.
Instrumentation
Air and part thermocouples, vacuum lines, and CPC control and data requirements.
FAQ
Custom autoclave questions
When is an Econoclave not the best choice?
In two cases. First, for large-diameter cylindrical parts over about 10 ft (3 m) that need the floor removed for rail-only loading: the Econoclave fits its heater and cooler under the floor, so without one they move to the rear, making a conventional design the better value. Second, when a large load needs high heating and cooling rates in a length-limited autoclave, the heaters and coolers may not fit under the floor.
Is a custom autoclave much more expensive than a standard model?
Standard Econoclaves are the best overall value, but a custom Econoclave keeps most of the same proven design, so the premium is often modest. For parts that are only slightly too large, we simply increase the diameter.
Should the floor carry the load, or the rails?
Most autoclaves use internal cart rails rated for more than the floor. A floor designed to carry the full part and tool load is heavier, costs more, and takes more energy to heat and cool.
Contact
Tell us what you need.
Send your part sizes, process, and performance targets. A sales engineer will follow up to scope your custom autoclave.