Composite Cure Cycle Record Template
A cure cycle is the process step that fixes the properties of a composite part, and an auditor, customer or investigator will ask for proof of what actually happened in the autoclave or oven. This template captures the identity, requirements, checks and measured values in a single sheet you can fill in, print or export.
Fill in
Composite Cure Cycle Record Template
Cure Cycle Record
Company: Acme Composites Inc. Job: WO-48213 Part: CP-1042 Rev C Serial or lot: SN 0017 Tool: TL-2207 Equipment: AC-02 Date: 2026-10-20 Process specification: PS-CURE-12 Rev B
Material
CF/epoxy UD 150 gsm, Lot L5521
Required cure parameters
Recipe: Ramp 1.5 to 2.5 C/min to 110 C, hold 60 min. Ramp 1.5 to 2.5 C/min to 180 C, hold 120 min. Cool at 3 C/min maximum to below 60 C before pressure release.
Vacuum: Full vacuum, max leak rate 5 inHg per 5 min
Pressure: 620 kPa (90 psi) autoclave pressure
Pre-cure checks
| Check | Requirement | Actual | Initials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bag leak test | Per spec | ||
| Thermocouples attached | Per cure plan | ||
| Vacuum lines connected | All ports | ||
| Out-time within limit | Per tracker | ||
| Debulk record complete | Per traveler |
Cure data log
| Time | Air temp C | Part TC min C | Part TC max C | Pressure kPa | Vacuum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | |||||
| Hold 1 start | |||||
| Hold 1 end | |||||
| Hold 2 start | |||||
| Hold 2 end | |||||
| Cooldown end |
Deviations or remarks
None.
Approvals
This template is a starting point. Replace the example recipe and limits with the values in your controlled process specification and qualified cure plan. Attach the recorder chart or exported data file to the traveler. It does not replace customer-mandated forms or your quality system procedures.
Capture cure data straight into your MES
Optional: discuss how recorder files and cure results can attach to the work order and serial number automatically.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use the template
Fill in the header fields with the job, part, tool and equipment identity, then enter the material and the cure parameters from your controlled specification. Print the document and have the operator complete the pre-cure checks, the data log and any deviations during the run. The cure data table has rows for the key points in a typical two-step cure: start, hold 1 start and end, hold 2 start and end, and cooldown end. Add rows by exporting to Word if your cure plan has more dwells. File the recorder chart or data export with the signed sheet.
- Record thermocouple readings from the coldest and hottest part thermocouples, not just the air.
- Write actual values, not just a tick, for vacuum, pressure and hold durations.
- Document any hold extension, pressure loss or power event as a deviation immediately.
What to capture and why
A defensible cure record answers four questions. What was cured: part, serial, tool, material lot and out-time. How it was supposed to be cured: the recipe, ramp rate limits, hold temperatures and times, pressure and vacuum. How it was actually cured: thermocouple data, pressure and vacuum trends. Who confirmed it: operator, inspector and engineer signatures. Many specifications also require that the coldest thermocouple reach the hold temperature before the hold timer starts, so make sure the log shows which thermocouple governed the hold.
Reading cure data
Compare the part thermocouples to the requirement for heat-up rate, soak time at temperature within the allowed band, and cooldown rate. Large parts and heavy tools lag the air temperature, so the part may enter the soak well after the air does; this is why the hold must be timed from the part thermocouple. A spread between thermocouples of more than the specification allows suggests poor circulation, a blocked bag or an unusual tool mass, and should be reviewed before the part is released to trim and inspection.
Common mistakes
Operators often record the controller set point instead of the measured value, which hides lagging thermocouples. Another frequent problem is releasing pressure while the part is still above its allowed release temperature, which can cause delamination or spring-in. Missing out-time and debulk records can invalidate an otherwise perfect cure. Do not alter a cure recipe on the floor without engineering approval, and remember that a change in tool, load configuration or bagging may require a new qualification run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cure cycle record include?
Include part, serial, tool and material lot identity, the controlled cure recipe, pre-cure checks, thermocouple and pressure data at key points, deviations, and signatures. Attach the recorder chart or exported data so the sheet can be traced to a time-stamped source.
Which thermocouple controls the hold time?
Most specifications start the hold when the coldest part thermocouple reaches the hold temperature, and end it after the required duration at or above the minimum. Follow your process specification, since some programs control from the tool or air.
Can I use this for an out-of-autoclave oven cure?
Yes. Replace the pressure line with the oven or bag pressure and adjust the data table to the oven recipe. The identity, vacuum, thermocouple and deviation sections apply to any thermal cure with a controlled cycle.
How long should cure records be kept?
Retention is set by your customer contract, aerospace or medical quality requirements, and product life. Aerospace programs often require many years or the life of the product. Check the contract flow-downs and your records procedure.
If you want cure runs, recorder files and part serial numbers captured in the ERP or MES without re-keying, Netray can help design that integration for your autoclave and quality systems.
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Guides
- Cure Cycle Records: What to Capture and How to Tie Them to PartsWhat cure cycle records composites shops must keep: thermocouple data, ramp rates, dwell, vacuum and pressure, load maps, and linking charts to part serial numbers.
- How to Estimate Composite Part Cost: Layup Labor, Material, and CureHow to estimate composite part cost: ply count, layup minutes per ply, material waste, bagging, cure and trim, and how to check estimates against actual hours.
- Scheduling Autoclave and Oven Capacity in a Composites ShopHow to schedule autoclave and oven capacity for composite parts: load planning, cure recipes, tool availability, out-time limits and why generic scheduling fails.