Tools for Planning Process Conditions

This section describes some of the tools available for intelligent development of process cycles, such as the time-temperature cycles used in curing composites. Current industrial practice is typically limited to the use of cure cycles. The cycles are based on a series of autoclave temperature and pressure states so that traditional linear, regulatory process control methods can be used. These recipes may not be the ideal method for process control of batch processes because they do not  

Manage multiple dynamic interactions between controls and quality (material state) 

Provide event-based data recording and reporting 

React to prevent undesirable impacts on quality as well as to control current trends 

Nevertheless, regulatory cure cycles can be used if both materials and process recipes are forgiving of uncontrolled disturbances. Composite manufacturers have learned which 

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