Cure System Equipment Optimization for Rapid Cure Epoxy Coated Fiberglass

Ultraviolet (UV) cure materials and processing equipment have been used extensively in automotive and industrial applications, for decades. Several high-performance UV-curable resins and capital equipment have shown promise for use in military aircraft applications as a composite layer to restore the galvanic barrier, and also as a machining layer to achieve impossible to net-mold composite dimensional tolerances. It is the goal of this program to evaluate a new UV curing resin technology in cooperation with existing and next-generation UV cure lamps, conveyor and robotic curing systems. The use of rapidly cured UV composite materials promises to result in significant savings in fabrication time, cost, and repair of aircraft such as the F35 Lightning JSF. The purpose of this SBIR is to combine the expertise of UV cure equipment technology market-leaders with that of proven aerospace composite product development leaders – to demonstrate, manufacture, and commercialize qualified UV-cure equipment ready for transition to this production platform.