National Center for Advanced Manufacturing - Louisiana Partnership

Technology

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NCAM has demonstrated advanced manufacturing technology for use in aerospace structures, and features several areas of manufacturing technology. Some examples are:

  • friction stir welding
  • advanced fiber placement
  • non-destructive evaluation
  • high-speed 5-axis machining

Image right: The pin tool of the Universal Weld System (aka Friction Stir Welding Machine) is used to produce a uniform weld in Friction Stir Welding. Image Credit: MTS Corp.

NCAM-LP's Equipment

  • The Friction Stir Welding Machine (also called the Universal Weld System) uses a solid-state metal joining process producing high strength, defect-free joints in metallic materials. The process employs a pin tool with a low rotational speed and applied pressure that "mechanically stirs" two parent materials together to produce a uniform weld.
  • NCAM's Advanced Fiber Placement Machine #1 is used for the manufacture of large-scale, complex-shaped structures composed of composite materials. These materials, which offer lighter weight with equivalent or greater strength than metals, are increasingly used in airframes and other industrial products.
  • NCAM's Advanced Fiber Placement Machine #2 is used for the manufacture of small to medium-scale complex-shaped structures composed of composite materials.
  • NCAM's Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) System applies non-destructive evaluation techniques in the testing of composite materials by employing a twin 5-axis traveling column configuration and multiple inspection system capability.
  • The Gantry Machining Center is a 5-axis, hi-speed machining system that is able to machine complex components using multi-axis capability. This technology is capable of machining both composite and metal materials using a 24,000 rpm, 60 hp cutting spindle.
  • The Autoclave applies heat and pressure in a controlled environment, providing the conditions needed to manufacture many of today's space-age composite materials. The 10 x 20-foot autoclave cures parts made from the fiber placement machine and other composite manufacturing processes.
page updated 12/14/06