HEATCON® Composite Systems

We are the leading manufacturer of composite repair systems and a supplier of accessories, materials, supplies, and training. HEATCON^® Composite Systems can help customers establish new composite repair facilities by providing the equipment, materials, training and expertise to get started.

The basics are a facility with adequate floor space, electrical power, work benches, plant air, etc. Also required are various hand and power tools, a freezer, materials/supplies, and hot bond equipment. Training for your personnel will be another important need.

There are several things to consider:

What is my input voltage - 120 volts or 240 volts?
What is the amperage capacity of the machine?
What is the amperage capacity of the outlet in my facility?
What is the temperature of the cure?
How difficult is the structure to heat?

Multiply the input voltage by the machine amperage to obtain the wattage. For example, with a 30 amp machine using 120 volts you have the capability to use 3,600 watts of power.

The average blanket output is 5 watts/in2, although they can be manufactured with a lower watt density.

Example:

12" x 12" Blanket Size
12" x 12" = 144" x 5 watts = 720 watts Total
Machine capacity at 120 Volts / 30 amps - 3,600 watts
Blanket power draw - 720 watts
A 12" x 12" blanket would be no problem for the machine, nor would a 24" x 24" blanket. A 24" x 48" blanket would also be within limits at 2.5 watts per square inch.

Things to keep in mind:

According to NEMA regulations, your load should not exceed 80% of the breaker's total amperage. For example, you should only use 24 amps of a 30 amp circuit.
Many machines can use 120 volts or 240 volts (240 volts will double the wattage output).
Your machine may have 30 amp breakers but the outlet in the wall may only be 20 amps. 20 amps now becomes the determining factor as to blanket size.
Larger blankets can be manufactured at lower watt densities, down to 2.5 Watts/in2 and still achieve a 250ºF cure under optimum conditions.
A booster box can be used to increase amperage to accommodate very large blankets