Airbus and Boeing Ditch Autoclaves for Next-Gen Aircraft Production

Airbus and Boeing are racing to develop new composite manufacturing methods that don't rely on traditional autoclaves. These ovens have defined composite aerostructure production for decades, but they're slow, energy-intensive, and can't scale to meet the production rates required for future narrowbody aircraft.

Autoclaves take hours to cure resin-impregnated carbon fiber layups, followed by inspection and finishing cycles. The capital cost of these facilities is substantial, and each unit represents a fixed throughput ceiling. Both manufacturers face pressure as they evaluate successors to the A320 and 737 families, which are expected to enter service in the second half of the 2030s.

Thermoplastic composites, resin transfer molding (RTM), and out-of-autoclave prepreg systems are among the technologies competing to displace the autoclave. These alternatives promise faster cycle times, lower energy consumption, and reduced capital intensity, but they also carry technical risk. Airbus has been developing thermoplastic technology through its Wing of Tomorrow program and partnerships with suppliers experienced in the material class.