Production rate increases

Using new nano-enhanced materials and processes technologies would make production of commercial airplanes from small components to large structures and assemblies faster and more efficient, while maintaining or improving quality and costs, will be a major theme in this consortium.

Some examples of opportunity-rich development are faster and tailor-able cures of composites involving new nano enhanced polymer formulations and leaner out-of-autoclave processes, faster materials laydown and incorporation with materials enhanced to have longer outimes and handling lives, multifunctional materials that eliminate secondary and tertiary functional materials and application times, 3-D printing of major components, etc. Often improvements in efficiency and reduced cycle times carry ancillary benefits in decreased pollutants as well as reduced raw materials storage, thereby reducing costs as well as bringing in a greener, leaner, and faster production environment.