A system for fabricating a composite item from a layup may comprise a debulking device, a vacuum generator and a curing device. The debulking device may include a vacuum chamber, an envelope and a heater. The vacuum chamber may have a chamber pressure. The envelope may be contained within the vacuum chamber and may have an envelope pressure. The layup may be received within the envelope. The heater may heat the layup. The vacuum generator may be in fluid connection with the debulking device. The curing device may cure the layup.