Autoclave processing of prepregs in the aerospace market is held up as the "gold standard" in terms of what is possible, because this method achieves mechanical performance at the lightest weight. "Aerospace quality" is often used to describe any advanced composites that meet this standard, regardless of the method or material used. Molders in industrial markets could benefit from such strength, stiffness and mass savings, but for the most part, they have historically had to settle for less - lower properties and fiber-volume fractions, and higher void contents - to hit the lower cost targets necessary to make such applications viable. But, going forward, that gap is likely to shrink considerably, creating a new dynamic between the two sectors.
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