- In March 2024, Hexcel Corporation and Arkema formed a strategic partnership to advance high-performance thermoplastic composite structures. The collaboration led to the development of an innovative demonstrator, designed and manufactured using HexPly thermoplastic tapes. This breakthrough was achieved within the HAICOPAS collaborative project, which focuses on optimizing composite tape production, automated deposition processes, and in-situ welding technologies. The project aims to enhance cost efficiency and production rates, making thermoplastic composites a viable alternative to traditional metallic materials in aerospace applications
- In January 2024, Materion Beryllium & Composites, a subsidiary of Materion Corporation, entered into a strategic partnership with Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. As a member of the Certified Liquidmetal Partners Program, Materion will leverage its alloy production technologies alongside Liquidmetal and other partners to deliver high-quality products and support services to customers. This collaboration aims to enhance material innovation, particularly in medical, military, consumer, and industrial applications, by utilizing Liquidmetal’s proprietary amorphous metal alloys for superior strength, durability, and corrosion resistance
- In August 2023, Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. and Oak Ridge National Laboratory entered into a strategic agreement to advance high-temperature in-situ process monitoring techniques and predictive modeling capabilities for microstructure-based performance and certification of carbon and ceramic composites as well as additively manufactured alloys. This collaboration aims to enhance manufacturing efficiency and material performance in commercial, defense, and space aerostructure markets. Additionally, research teams will explore thermal protection systems for aerospace platforms, focusing on materials that withstand extreme heat and harsh environments
- In July 2023, NASA awarded an $800,000 Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract to AnalySwift LLC, a U.S.-based firm, to develop the Design Tool for Advanced Tailorable Composites (DATC). This tool aims to enhance simulation capabilities for next-generation aerospace structures, including hybrid wing bodies, space launch vehicles, and space habitats. DATC integrates advanced composite modeling techniques to optimize lightweight, high-performance materials for aerospace applications. The project is expected to conclude with the tool’s official launch by 202
- In December 2022, Velocity Composites, a leading supplier of aerospace composite material kits, entered the U.S. aerospace market through a five-year partnership agreement with GKN Aerospace. This collaboration is expected to generate over $100 million in revenue, supporting high-performance composite structures across military, civil, and business jet programs. To facilitate this expansion, Velocity established its first advanced manufacturing facility in Alabama, integrating proprietary digital technology and cleanroom-standard production to enhance efficiency and sustainability in aerospace manufacturing
