High-Capacity Autoclave Investment
CHIPPENHAM, UK – Carbon ThreeSixty, the leading specialist in advanced composite structures, has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing footprint with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art new high capacity autoclave from Italmatic. The investment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s growth strategy, directly supporting a string of new high-profile aerospace and defence contracts, and enhancing its ability to produce precision composite tooling in-house.
The new industrial-scale autoclave provides the precise pressure and temperature control essential for curing the high-performance carbon fibre components used in modern aviation. By bringing this capacity fully in-house, Carbon ThreeSixty significantly reduces lead times and guarantees the rigorous quality standards demanded by the global aerospace and defence supply chain.
Strategic Support for Defence, Aerospace and Precision Tooling
The addition of the autoclave is a direct response to the company’s recent success in securing major aerospace partnerships.
Beyond part production, the autoclave is a game-changer for Carbon ThreeSixty’s internally manufactured precision composite tooling. By controlling the entire lifecycle—from the design and manufacture of the tools to the final curing of the components—the company can achieve unprecedented levels of dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
Investing in Future Capability
This latest equipment joins a series of strategic investments made by the firm over the last year,
“This investment is about more than just increasing volume; it’s about elevating our technical ceiling,” said Matt Knight, Operations Manager of Carbon ThreeSixty. “By integrating high-capacity autoclave curing with our expertise in tailored fibre placement (TFP), we are positioning ourselves as a turnkey partner for the next generation of lightweight, sustainable aircraft.”
The move signals Carbon ThreeSixty’s transition from a specialist SME to a Tier 1-ready manufacturer, capable of handling complex, large-scale aerostructures. As the aerospace industry shifts toward higher production rates and more sustainable materials, Carbon ThreeSixty is now uniquely equipped to lead that charge from its UK headquarters.
