Metallic Hose Assemblies - Thorburn Flex Inc

Special PurposeAssembliesComposite and Laminating Industry DigestThorburn's autoclave hose assembly features:In the composite and laminating industry, "vacuum bagging"refers to a process which covers or surrounds alaminate with a flexible, sealed membrane (vacuum bag).Vacuum bagging produces exceptionally strong, lightweightparts with little, if any, air entrapment.Through ports installed in the bag, the air is removed fromaround the laminate. This is accomplished with a vacuumpump attached to vacuum hoses which are connected tothe ports via quick-disconnects. With the air removed, atmosphericpressure forces the bag down tight against thelaminate, similar to a vacuum-packed food item.For laminates cured at room temperature, this may be theextent of the vacuum bagging process. Because manylaminates are manufactured using heat-activated (thermoset)or heat-formed (thermoplastic) resins, the vacuumbaggedarticles are cured in ovens or, when more pressureis required, they are cured in autoclaves and mechanicalpresses.■■■■■■■Rapid hook-up to product material tray/dollyHold internal full vacuum (29" Hg)Withstand external positive pressure of 15 - 500 psiChamber temperature 400 o F to 800 o F or in cryogenicto -300 o FNot absorb moisture from adhesive vapour fumesFlexible yet resist kinking when folded back alongchamber sides when not in useLeak proof to assure finished product qualityAn autoclave, simply described, is a pressure vessel withan access door, in which any of an infinite number ofvariable non-ambient conditions including dry heat, gaseouspressure and/or vacuum can be brought to bear, individuallyor in combination, on a material to be treated in thevessel to cause physical and chemical changes in thematerial. Autoclaves are typically used for vulcanizing rubberproducts, curing plastics, and bonding metal, glass,graphite, or other dissimilar materials into composites.Typical autoclaveRacking hose assembliesTypical User industries of Autoclaves• Aircraft/Aerospace • Rubber and plastics • Textile• Electrical and Electronics • Chemical • Medical andPharmaceutical • Wood and Building Products• Metallurgical • Food Processing • NuclearClose-up ofThorburn "ACT"hose assemblies77