F-35 Lightning program adopts closed molding technology
Reduced manufacturing time and high part-to-part dimensional repeatability are some benefits of Matrix Composites’ HiRPM molding technology.
#f-35 #lockheedmartin #cuttingtools
Edited by Grace Nehls
Share
Source | Matrix Composites
Global aerospace composite manufacturer Matrix Composites (Rockledge, Fla., U.S.) an ITT Inc. company, announced on May 27 that its closed molding technology, hot isostatic resin pressure molding (HiRPM), has been adopted into Lockheed Martin’s (Bethesda, Md., U.S.) F-35 Lightning program, and has been made the principal manufacturing process for select parts for future F-35 aircraft. The technology has already been used for select parts in the aircraft’s horizontal tail assembly.
Designed for small, intricate composite structures requiring high dimensional accuracy — like critical edges, spars and control surfaces — the HiRPM molding process enables high part-to-part dimensional repeatability, reduced manufacturing cycle time, increased production yield and reduces the need for expensive post-machining and other next-level assembly operations. Matrix Composites says its performance on the F-22 Raptor and the company’s history in composites processing were underlying factors for the company’s selection in Lockheed’s program. As a main supplier, the Matrix Composite team has also worked with Lockheed Martin to create the company’s variant of a controlled-volume-molding (CVM) process.
Related Topics
RELATED CONTENT
-
Fiber reinforcement forms
Fibers used to reinforce composites are supplied directly by fiber manufacturers and indirectly by converters in a number of different forms, which vary depending on the application. Here's a guide to what's available.
-
Fabrication methods
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
-
Composites: Materials and processes
High strength at low weight remain the winning combination that propels composite materials into new arenas, but other properties are equally important. This article outlines the case for composites and introduces SourceBook's overview of the materials and processes used to make them.
