List of commercially available small autoclaves?

General Composites Discussions Equipment Talk
#1

I am looking for a list of autoclaves in the 24" x 60" chamber range that are available on the market right now.

I have some pricing, but it’s been up in the $125,000 range, but includes very feature rich units with automatic doors and automated controls.

Is there anything on the market in the $5,000-$10,000 range that a hobbyist/small business shop might be able to afford? Stripped down units with manual controls and a manual door?

I’d love to hear about any and all small autoclave pricing you know about!

#2

I didn’t name this thread appropriately. Can a mod change it to “List of commercially available small autoclaves?”

#3

Thread title has been changed

#4

Thank you!

#5

saw this thing on ebay for 1000 used. says 25psi…

I think one that goes to higher PSI that uses N2 is probably gonna be pricey.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Autoclave-36-inside-length-by-20-inside-diameter-/281165912436?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4176cb5974

#6

Here’s a good place to find used equipment including autoclaves, though I doubt you’ll find something in that price range.

http://www.surplusrecord.com/srg/003976.htm

#7

http://www.ued-ed.com/

#8

I haven’t found anything under $120,000 yet.

I work at a plant that makes several of the components to build an autoclave, and I am working with an engineer friend with a background in heat/pressure systems to build one (with ASME stamp even) for WAY less. If the prototype works well, and is consistent, then we might build a few for commercial sale.

I just am not sure if there is any market for a lower price point autoclave that would lack all of the automated features, and also the $120,000 price point.

I am thinking we can get to market with our design for somewhere around $10,000, but the system will be pretty basic (yet safe).

#9

There is a manufacturer selling autoclaves 5’ dia 10’ length turn key for the composites industry in the $75k range

#10

The Ebay autoclave is ours.
They can be found rather cheaply if you are willing and able to install heating elements and plumbing.
But I would definitely recommend getting a code pressure vessel. While the pressures involved are not tremendous autoclaves can be dangerous.

#11

Isn’t the linked autoclave a medical sterilization autoclave? That one above isn’t for curing composites is it?

#12

That was its intended purpose in a previous life. Now it is a pressure vessel awaiting the addition of heat.
An autoclave is just a pressurized oven. Any device that can do both will work.