Designed to be efficient, green, and low cost, Vistex's Pressure Focusing Layer - PFL™ - technology can produce autoclave quality (or better) components in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. A hybrid between closed and open molding, the PFL™ process brings all the benefits of autoclave manufacturing and is simpler and faster than HP-RTM.

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Vistex’s process, through the use of the customized Pressure Focusing Layer™ (PFL™) achieves the desired condition of uniform pressure as compared to autoclaving by a much more efficient approach. A formed uncured composite is sandwiched between a temperature controlled rigid mold, the curing mold, the PFL™, and a rigid compression mold. The PFL™ thickness varies across the composite as determined using Vistex’s proprietary modeling and optimization. This variation ensures that when the mold set is in compression, as in a hydraulic or platen press, the composite undergoes uniform pressurization. The curing mold is custom designed to ensure uniform temperature across the component.

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Vistex’s patented out-of-autoclave (OOA) manufacturing process is a functional replacement for autoclaves but with significant improvements. Vistex utilizes digital modeling software and proprietary optimization algorithms to drive the design of a customized 'Hardware', which can manufacture complex composite components without the need for extensive heat, vacuum, or capital intensive autoclaves. The process is compatible with essentially any thermoset resin system on the market, or can process a range of thermoplastics.