NASA recently announced awardees for the Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) project aimed at increasing the rate of composite aircraft manufacturing, reducing costs, and improving performance for lightweight aircraft and other vehicles. ATC Manufacturing has been selected as a key partner on the project.
The goal of the HiCAM project is to speed up the development of affordable, high-rate composite manufacturing technologies that reduce costs for labor, equipment, and tooling. It will also focus on developing model-based engineering tools for high-rate manufacturing concepts. The objectives of HiCAM are key to meeting the US Aviation Climate Action Plan.
As a key member of both the HiCAM project and the Advanced Composites Consortium, ATC Manufacturing’s expertise in high-volume thermoplastic composites manufacturing will significantly contribute to the mission to accelerate the manufacturing of large composite aircraft components. Since 2004, ATC has pioneered the adoption of thermoplastic composites technology to produce tougher, lighter, and stronger parts.
“We are extremely honored to be a part of this project and we recognize that it is vital to the future of aerospace, lightweight aircraft, drones, and other vehicles. Low-cost, high-rate production of thermoplastic composite components are the key to lightweight, high-strength structures and will help industries take huge leaps in sustainability, durability, and performance. We look forward to working with and learning from the other project partners and NASA,” says David Leach, Business Development Director at ATC.
About Advanced Thermoplastic Composites (ATC) Manufacturing:
ATC is committed to advancing composites manufacturing and retaining American manufacturing jobs by providing low-cost solutions for lean thermoplastic composite part production at their purpose-built facility in Post Falls, Idaho. ATC is one of the few remaining independent thermoplastic composite suppliers, and maintains ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D and NADCAP certifications. Visit ATC’s website for more information.
About NASA HiCAM
The Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) project addresses an aviation industry need for more rapid production of composite aircraft to meet increasing global demand for lightweight transport aircraft. As part of the Sustainable Flight National Partnership, HiCAM partners with industry to increase the rate of composite aircraft manufacturing, reduce costs, and improve performance. Learn more here.
About the Advanced Composites Consortium
The Advanced Composites Consortium is a public-private partnership that allows members to share expertise and investments, ensure relevance, and increase the likelihood of results being adopted on the next U.S. aircraft program. See the current members here.
