Autoclave (industrial)
![Industrial autoclaves used in the aerospace industry. The autoclave on left is gas-fired; the machine on right is electrically heated. At full pressure, the force acting against the door of the grey machine is over one thousand tons. Both machines use rotating lockring doors; the larger one is hydraulically turned, the smaller is pneumatic.](/Images/godic/202501/20/Industrial_Autoclaves2557.jpg")
![Small autoclave with electric heat, used in the manufacture of advanced composite parts. This autoclave features a low-cost manual-latch door design. Note the removable works-on-a-trolley back end.](/Images/godic/202501/20/Very_small_autoclave2557.jpg")
![Autoclave used to manufacture F-16 radar transponder antennas. Electric heat, simple door, automated control.](/Images/godic/202501/20/Small_industrial_autoclave2557.jpg")
![Modulating gas burner firing into tubular heat exchanger.](/Images/godic/202501/20/Gas_burner_on_internal_heat_exchanger2557.jpg")
Industrial autoclaves are pressure vessels used to process parts and materials which require exposure to elevated pressure and temperature. The manufacture of high-performance components from advanced composites often requires autoclave processing.