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Technology Overview
NCAM has demonstrated advanced manufacturing technology for use in aerospace structures, and features several areas of manufacturing technology, such as: advanced fiber placement, friction stir welding, high-speed machining, and non-destructive evaluation In support of manufacturing production and facility planning and management, NCAM has an experienced Modeling and Simulation Team.
Manufacturing Equipment for Composite Materials
- NCAM's two Advanced Fiber Placement Machines are used for the manufacture 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.
- 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.
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The pin tool of the Universal Weld System #1 is used to produce a uniform weld in Friction Stir Welding. Image Credit: MTS Corp. |
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Manufacturing Equipment for Metallic Materials
- The three Friction Stir Welding Machines (referred to as Universal Weld Systems) use 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.
Manufacturing Equipment for Both Composites and Metallics
- The two High-Speed Machining Centers are capable of machining both composite and metal materials using multi-axis capability and 24,000 RPM cutting spindles.
- NCAM's Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) System applies non-destructive evaluation techniques by employing a twin 5-axis traveling column configuration and multiple inspection system capability.
Modeling & Simulation
NCAM's Modeling & Simulation team has successfully completed projects addressing multiple issues. Just a few are listed below:
- 3D modeling and simulation
- Virtual prototyping, animation and simulation
- Assembly animation and instructional aids
- Design and operation testing
- Discrete event process flow modeling
- Digital shape sampling and processing (LiDAR and Photogrammetry)
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