Advanced Technologies for Discrete-Parts Manufacturing

Materials Innovation Technologies LLC is developing a method for making polymer matrix composites fiber preforms that has the potential to revolutionize the industry. The Three Dimensional Engineered Preform (3-DEP) process represents the state-of-the art in chopped fiber preform manufacture. 3-DEP produces a homogeneous fiber distribution within parts and consistent part weight and dimensions from part-to-part. Through our efforts in the DLA SBIR Phase I project we have identified DoD contractors that are interested in the 3-DEP process to manufacture a wide range of discrete components. They include: VX Aerospace - replacement spare parts for helicopters; Army Research Laboratory - helmets for soldiers; Boeing - interior parts for aircraft, and processing of reclaimed/recycled carbon fiber; Sikorsky - composite gearbox for jet engines; Plasan USA - automotive parts. The primary effort for this project will be transitioning the 3-DEP process from the lab to a manufacturing environment at VX Aerospace. We will help VX provide cost-effective solutions to the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) at Cherry Point, NC for composite parts to replace aluminum parts on out-of-production helicopters. We will continue to work with Sikorsky, Boeing, the Army Research Laboratory, and Plasan USA to pursue avenues of interaction with them.