Autoclave Management and Control Systems (AMCS)

We can supply and install AMCS for use on autoclaves, ovens, hot presses, hot drape formers and hydroclaves.

Due to the modular design, our AMCS can be adapted by our in-house team of software architects and control engineers to meet our customers’ specific requirements. And with remote monitoring available, we support our customers worldwide.

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Cost Benefits

Energy efficient

The system consumes less energy than legacy systems.

Efficient production

By automating program selection and centralizing control with QR codes and a shared database, the system significantly boosts production efficiency.

Fewer call-out fees

Remote connection enables support, often without the need to visit the site.

Less production downtime

Enhanced reliability and quick remote diagnostics support capability.

Saved time

Simpler sourcing of spares – no obsolete parts.

Smoother audits

Less internal time used to solve non-compliances.

How it Works

AMCS acts as a central point for communication with all other systems and devices. It measures, processes, controls and records temperature, pressure and vacuum readings for every part of the machine. When in operation, the system executes the selected cure profile, records all the data and provides detailed reporting – available in real time across networked devices.

Robust and industrially proven, the AMCS enables manufacturers to reliably automate, monitor, and report on autoclave operations.

Technical Benefits

Enhanced thermal head control algorithms to maximize equipment capability and reduce cycle times
Ramp start/end detection to improve response-to-new-rate requirements and minimize part-temperature-overshoot by recognising your cycle demands
Load setup by bar-coded route cards or parts, or even a database direct from manufacturing, reduces equipment turnaround time
Fuzzy-logic control algorithm adjusts control parameters to ensure the highest accuracy of control, exceeding AMS2750 Class 1 (subject to equipment TUS)

Full Technical Specifications

Software interface

AMCS is written in-house with the sole purpose of managing advanced materials processing (e.g., composite) equipment. Its applications include the following:

Acting as the primary user interface for operators and engineers
Providing a simple but powerful graphical profile editor
Displaying the current running status with numerical and graphical presentation
Allowing manual process intervention to authorised users
Displaying system alarms and diagnostic data
Recording all process data and user actions in a secure database
Enabling the database to be searched and historical records to be viewed, printed and exported
Providing a server option to manage users and recipes across multiple machines

Process control

Due to the powerful nature of the programmable logic controller (PLC) processor, we can leverage its proven proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control logic. We have enhanced this to replicate the functionality of the best traditional discrete programmer/controllers. As a result:

Process variables such as temperature and vacuum are measured by thermocouples and other sensors, and the readings are interpreted and processed by the PLC against the set points.
The VFE control algorithm follows the programmed temperature-ramp rate.
PID control optimizes the power required in each heating zone.
Output demand is communicated digitally to each Thyristor (power controller) with the actual consumption in kW being continually monitored.

Additional interface and recording

For most systems, the data recording of the AMCS software provides sufficient security. For more critical applications, additional options may be considered.

Duty/standby PC configuration
The system is configured with a “hot standby” PC, which is continually recording and following the duty PC. In the event of the duty PC failing, the standby PC will continue the cycle to completion without interruption.
HMI
This dedicated network device is able to mimic the critical functions of the AMCS software during running cycles (pause, abort, view trend charts and numerical data). It also records a more comprehensive set of data than the PLC backup alone.
Backup recorder
A graphical chart recorder can be fitted in place of (or in addition to) an HMI to provide backup data recording but without the HMI’s ability to provide machine interaction.

AMCS server facility

Customers with multiple installations can benefit from the AMCS server facility. This grants the following capabilities:

Central creation, management and assignment of cure profiles across all machines
User management for all systems
Backup repository for all client (machine) databases
Serving historical data to network users without loading the machine PC
Interface with customer ERP/production databases to provide part data, cure references and to export data files to part production records