Composite Structures Curing Oven
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A curing oven, operating at a constant temperature of about 180˚F, can accomplish two things. First, it can cure a composite (fiberglass or carbon fiber/epoxy) laminate in about 90 minutes, and second, it can provide a post cure for a finished laminate that will increase the temperature resistance of the structure.
This particular project was constructed from rigid insulating panels. I first learned about this technique through Dave Triano of Shadow Composites and his instructional videos. I bought plans and some key components through his web site.
The materials were less than $100, and any normal person who is reasonably focused and efficient could construct this in one or two weekends. As for myself, it took me four weekends, after buying, discarding, and upgrading many of the original materials I bought. It looks like hell, I know, but the simple construction makes it flexible and infinitely tweak-able.
I used a custom thermometer I had made at Omega Engineering originally procured for my Weber Bullet smoker. I love this thermometer because it can be calibrated and the top dead center temperature displayed is 225˚F, the ideal barbecue/smoking temperature.
I tried out two different heat sources, and here are the results:
The 125 Watt source never got hot enough to trigger the thermostat, which cuts off at 190 degrees and restarts at 160 degrees. The result was not quite hot enough but very consistent. The 250 Watt source got hot enough to trigger the thermostat. By moving around the thermostat and modifying the internal layout, I should be able to tweak the performance to just the way I want, although the measured performance I got with the 250 Watt source should be fine for a primary cure. If I could find a 175 Watt source I would be quite happy. These temperatures are too hot for the West Systems epoxies I normally use, so I will be using Aeropoxy instead. I'll miss the spiffy volumetric pump dispensers, but I will end up with better material.
