Plataine unveils AI-based autoclave scheduling optimization tool

Plataine (Waltham, Mass., U.S.) introduces the Autoclave Scheduler, part of the company’s total production optimization (TPO) solution suite. Operating autoclaves is associated with significant expenses, a high carbon footprint and bottlenecking production processes. The complexity of handling multiple recipes, part and machine profiles and designated tools has historically led to inefficient use, with autoclaves running well below capacity.

With pressures to increase production rates, coupled with sustainability requirements, Plataine highlights the Autoclave Scheduler, an AI-based scheduling solution for composite manufacturers. The system is designed to streamline operations, reduce operational costs and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) — all while boosting factory efficiency and contributing to sustainability efforts.

The Autoclave Scheduler optimizes autoclave operations, considering real-time production factors such as autoclave volume and capacity, part recipes, vacuum-port and daisy-chaining restrictions and considerations, digital management of physical assets (tokenization), tool variations, human capacity, shifts and availability, and the overall production situation up- and downstream from the autoclaves to automatically generate optimized and practical plans. The plans reportedly adhere to all restrictions, requirements, capacities and availabilities of relevant resources and demand sets. They are designed to follow business rules, machine profiles, and material recipes and priorities, to ensure due dates are met while optimizing each autoclave run.

With the Autoclave Scheduler, Plataine maintains that manufacturers can maximize production throughput, resource utilization and efficiency, and reduce autoclave operation costs. In addition, this solution is usable for achieving sustainability standards by reducing energy costs, which the company claims help its customers to be at the forefront of new technology adoption, and to achieve both production and sustainability KPIs.