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ME-542 Manufacturing with Non-metallic MaterialsSetup and Operation of the Press-Clave
Setup
The most important part of the Press Clave setup is the plumbing needed to correctly operate the manifold.
In order to function, the manifold requires a positive pressure source, as well as a vacuum source. To aid in the control of the pressure and vacuum, it is advised that the pressure and vacuum source be routed through the rear control panel.
Number
Description
1
Pressure input. This should be connected to the positive pressure source (usually the lab airfeed). The valve is used to turn the positive pressure on and off.
2
Pressure vent. This valve is used to release any residual positive pressure in the system, or to regulate the pressure fed to the manifold.
3
Pressure vent. This valve is used to release any residual vacuum pressure in the system, or to regulate the vacuum pressure fed to the manifold.
4
Pressure bleed valve. This valve is used to control the interaction between the positive pressure and the vacuum pressure systems.
5
Vacuum outlet. This should be connected to the vacuum port on the manifold. The valve is used to turn the vacuum pressure on and off to the manifold.
6
Vacuum input. This should be connected to the vacuum source.
7
Pressure outlet. This should be connected to the pressure input on the manifold.
Under normal operating conditions, the panel should be set as follows:
1
Connected to the lab airfeed, with the valve in the open (Vertical) position.
2
Unconnected, with the valve in the closed (Vertical) position.
3
Unconnected, with the valve in the closed (Vertical) position.
4
Valve in the closed (Horizontal) position.
5
Connected to the vacuum input on the manifold with the valve in the open (Vertical) position.
6
Connected to a compressor providing vacuum pressure.
7
Connected to the manifold pressure inlet.
Operation
Operation of the press clave is very straightforward.
Step 1
Pre-heat press clave to desired temperature.
2
Create a part, and place it on the lower jaw of the press clave, being sure to use release or bleeder cloth as appropriate. Place an additonal piece of bleeder cloth over the part.
3
Place the manifold on top of the part, ensuring that the part fits completely within the manifold cavity. Make sure that the manifold appears to have a proper seal with the lower jaw of the press clave.
4
Raise the lower jaw until the top of the manifold comes in contact with the upper jaw, and there is approximately 2 tons of pressure being applied.
5
Connect the pressure and vacuum hoses to the manifold and turn on the pressure feeds (upper and lower most valves on the rear panel).
6
Allow part to cure for the desired amount of time.
7
Remove heat from the part, but do not remove pressure from the part.
8
After the part has cooled sufficiently, turn off pressure (upper and lower most valves on the rear panel), and lower the jaw on the press clave.
9
Disconnect the pressure and vacuum hoses from the manifold, and extract the part.
Discussion
There are a number of things to be aware of when dealing with the press clave. First, an understanding of how the manifold operates is important.
The manifold exists to provide pressure on the part being cured, and does so through both positive and negative pressure.
Part Description
1
Gasket. This is a silicone gasket which forms a seal between each side of the manifold and the jaw of the clave.
2
Latex. A piece of latex forms a barrier between the top half (positive pressure) and bottom half (vacuum pressure) of the manifold.
3
Pressure input. This connection is used to provide positive pressure to the top half of the manifold.
4
Vacuum input. This connection is used to provide vacuum pressure to the bottom half of the manifold.
A typical operating cycle for a small (1ft by 1ft) pre-preg part involves curing for 1.5 hours at 250 degrees, 100psi positive pressure, and then cooling to room temperature (4+ hours).
It is useful to keep an eye on the pressures during the curing process, as a bad gasket, or a rupture in the latex will reduce the vacuum pressure to zero, and negate any pressure effects normally generated by the manifold.
Parts normally made in the press clave are relatively flat, and under 2 square feet in size, however other sizes and simple shapes may be cured so long as they fit within the cavity of the manifold, and the mold material can withstand the necessary curing temperature.
