Advanced Manufacturing

Manufacturing science is one of the defining strengths of CCM. Recognizing the critical role of manufacturing in translating constituent properties into real-world performance, CCM established the nation’s first NSF Engineering Research Center in manufacturing science in 1985.

Since then, CCM has led innovation across the full spectrum of composite manufacturing processes, from prepreg production and autoclave curing to liquid molding, compression molding, filament winding, pultrusion, and automated tape placement. Expertise extends to process modeling, parametric optimization, sensing and automation, cost modeling, and tooling design.

Research spans both fundamental science and industrial-scale applications, integrating new processing methods, tooling concepts, process monitoring technologies, and automation strategies. Challenges of scalability and production rate are addressed for structures ranging from small precision components to very large-scale assemblies. Past innovations have included resistance, induction, microwave, and ultrasonic heating methods; continuous lamination systems; filament winding; tape placement head design; resin transfer molding variants; and large-scale fabrication approaches.

Our Facilities

CCM’s advanced manufacturing capabilities are housed in two dedicated facilities:

Composites Manufacturing Science Laboratory (CMSL)
34,000 sq. ft. of laboratory space focused on basic and applied research in composite manufacturing processes, materials, and automation.

Applications and Technology Transfer Laboratory (ATTL)
18,000 sq. ft. facility dedicated to subcomponent and full-scale prototyping, tooling, and technology transition to industry partners.

Processing Capabilities

The facilities support a broad range of thermoplastic and thermoset composite processes, including:

• Autoclave curing
• Liquid molding and resin transfer techniques
• Compression molding and forming technologies
• Automated fiber and tape placement
• Pultrusion
• Extrusion
• Prepreg fabrication
• Precision cutting, kitting, and layup
• Advanced tooling design and fabrication
• Process monitoring and control systems

For a complete, up-to-date list of available equipment and technical specifications, visit: Capabilities.