Automated Technologies for the Manufacture of Composite Propulsion and Aero-Structures (AUTOPROSTRUCT)

Automated Technologies for the Manufacture of Composite Propulsion and Aero-Structures (AutoProStruct) is an enabler to deliver Ultrafan and Digital Propulsion programmes led by Rolls-Royce and Dowty Propellers. Underpinning this objective is the requirement to establish automated manufacturing and inspection capabilities in a research environment to develop and validate suitable autoclave and out-of-autoclave technologies for the manufacture of next generation propulsion structures. AutoProStruct infrastructure proposal is led by the National Composites Centre – a High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre, specialising in composites material design, simulation and prototype manufacture. The project will establish a world leading research capability in the UK to manufacture and inspect composites structures up to 5m length and 5m width. The capability will include an AFP-ATL Hybrid Cell, an Automated Preforming cell, an automated Composites Integrity and Verification cell and a High Temperature (<300°C) Resin Moulding capability.