Technical Tooling makes layup molds and vacuum fixtures for composite parts manufacturers utilizing proprietary material technologies for better results at a better cost. Its Vacu-Grip™ vacuum fixtures utilize a porous material that can be formed to any 3D part contour, providing support & simultaneously allowing full/even vacuum across the entire contact area. Tool repair/modification is easy and inexpensive. Its high temperature layup molds have extremely low CTE’s and are ideal for short run programs/prototyping that require optimal precision, but with drastically lower cost & production time over Invar. | Technical Tooling makes layup molds and vacuum fixtures for composite parts manufacturers utilizing proprietary material technologies for better results at a better cost. Vacu-Grip® vacuum fixture technology is based on an engineered porous granular media that conforms to the contours of a given part, providing support while simultaneously allowing vacuum throughout the entire contact area. • We achieve the strongest holding force by delivering the most even vacuum across the most surface area of any vacuum fixture on the market. • We form our material to near net shape, eliminating needless machine time and scrap. (Our material packs into place like wet sand into a sandcastle, then machined to final surface after a room temp cure). • Our tools are modifiable and repairable, as new material adheres to the cured material, delivering the same structural integrity as the original tool. Our RAVIN® layup mold base material is a revolutionary advancement in LM tooling for short-run programs and prototyping with CTE’s nearly equivalent to carbon fiber. The LM tools are the optimal choice over Invar, with similar performance, only with reduced production time and cost.
RCF Technologies
RCF Technologies produces a revolutionary material called Rishon®. Rishon material pushes the capabilities of rubber into the realm of composites by combining the properties of fabrics and elastomers into a single, homogeneous whole. By forcing RCF’s proprietary elastomer through the weave of the selected fabric, an entirely new material is achieved, with different properties than either of the parent materials. The unique properties of Rishon material include: • Rishon operates from -170ºF (-112.2ºC) to +850ºF (454.4ºC) continuously • Rishon material is an FAA approved Fire Barrier in thicknesses as low as .027” • Rishon material is compatible with almost all fluids on an aircraft • Rishon material bonds to all metals and most composites using the parent material in the B stage as the adhesive • Rishon material is a low modulus material, so it also absorbs both sound and vibration • Rishon material can become a heat and/or flame insulator in thicknesses as low as .050” • Rishon material is inherently non-conductive, but can become electrically conductive while remaining flexible with almost no added weight • Rishon material has been determined to outgas far less than the strict NASA requirements for space use even in vacuum conditions RCF Technologies has developed a groundbreaking solution for the manufacture of thermoplastics by designing a reusable inflatable bladder made from Rishon material. This innovative proprietary material, which is able to sustain operating temperatures up to 850ºF, as well as produce hollow complex shapes reliably, is perfectly suited to function as an inflatable, reusable mandrel. The Rishon bladder is inserted into the tool and then inflated to create the necessary pressure. Once inflated, the tool is heated under pressure, allowing the thermoplastic material to cure. After the curing process is complete, the tool is cooled, and a vacuum is applied to pull the bladder. The Rishon bladder, having served its purpose as a mandrel, can be easily removed and reused for subsequent manufacturing cycles. Rishon material exhibits exceptional thermal properties, can withstand high temperatures and pressures, and is flexible and robust, thus making it an ideal candidate for manufacturing inflatable bladders. Unlike traditional methods and materials, the use of Rishon during the thermoplastic manufacturing process will meet the requirements without compromising its structural integrity. RCF also manufactures lightweight metal couplings, clamps, isolation mounts, flexible connectors and sealant tapes, insulation, electrically conductive as well as non-conductive parts, seals, gaskets, ducting and many specialty items utilizing Rishon material. Rishon products are suitable for use in most high temperature applications on most aircraft.
M4 Engineering, Inc.
M4 Engineering, Inc. works with inventors, startups, established companies, and government agencies to solve “unsolvable” problems and move their ideas from concepts to prototypes and beyond. The complex systems typically found in unmanned, electric aircraft, eVTOL, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), as well as more conventional aircraft and spacecraft, present unique challenges that many new and established companies may not have encountered before. This is where M4 Engineering comes in. We have a broad range of capabilities to complement in-house engineering resources when either specialized knowledge or extra bandwidth is needed. M4 Engineering also has a very strong composite discipline competency that can help you with design, material characterization, analysis, prototyping, and testing, and M4 Phoenix Technology Works (M$ PTW) is AS9100 certified for composite tooling parts, parts, and complete systems and can help you move from small runs to larger-scale production. and has many years of experience supporting unmanned and manned air, land, and sea vehicle development. In addition to engineering services and composite prototyping and manufacturing, M4 is also a Siemens Digital Industries Gold Expert Software reseller and offers a broad array of software to help you design, analyze, and manufacture your products. We have many expert users of the various software that provide training, mentoring, and tech support to help you succeed in implementing these tools at your organization. M4 has been working with NASA and other government agencies over the last 15 years in developing tools to better assist in the design of AAM, UAV, and other unconventional aircraft and spacecraft using our expertise in multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO) to support our customers. These tools can help you save time and reduce the costs associated with the design, analysis, optimization, and manufacturing of high-performance systems and structures. Please call or email us today to see how we might be able to help you accomplish your goals +1 (562) 981-7797 or info@m4-engineering.com, www.m4-engineering.com. | M4 Engineering helps solve the challenges that arise in developing new types of manned and unmanned space and flight vehicles. From conceptual design, weight prediction and pre-PDR work through analysis, multi-disciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO), test, fabrication and certification we help fill the gaps needed for a successful program.
KRÜSS Americas
As specialists in interfacial chemistry and the world’s leading supplier of measuring instruments for surface and interfacial tension, we not only provide high quality product solutions – our offer is a combination of technology and scientific consulting. These include seminars, technical service, and our Applications & Science Center for professional measurement services. Many well-known companies have already been inspired by our know-how, precision and passion consulted by our offices around the globe. Acting quickly and flexibly, we are always at our customer’s doorstep in the research and development laboratories as well as quality control centers of countless industries all over the world. | KRÜSS offers premium solutions that help engineers and research teams understand and control surface and interfacial properties, a critical factor in composite performance, coatings, bonding, and material processing. Our vast instrument portfolio offers measurements for surface energy, wettability, adhesion, foam behavior, and dispersion stability, enabling better bonding, coating uniformity, adhesive reliability, and quality control. Pair that with expert technical knowledge and stellar service teams to make KRÜSS your partner for materials optimization. Stop by our booth to see how KRÜSS tools help materials teams optimize surface treatments, improve bonding strength, and ensure consistent manufacturing outcomes across aerospace, automotive, and advanced composite applications.
General Plastics Manufacturing Co
General Plastics develops and manufactures rigid and flexible polyurethane foam products, which include its LAST-A-FOAM® brand series and composite parts. Beyond offering foam sheets and blocks the company’s in-house fabrication system offers full pattern-to-print production, 5-axis CNC machining, thermoforming, complex laminating, foam molding, resin infusion, assembly and tooling. General Plastics also offers customization services for formulations, foam material sizing and shaping, sealing, drilling, painting, potting and more. Coupling consistent performance with over seven decades of experience, General Plastics provides quality assurance services along with on-site testing laboratories executing physical property, flammability and developmental testing.
Concept Systems, Inc.
We deliver streamlined automation systems that solve manufacturing challenges across industries. Whether the challenge is designing industrial casting for titanium or finding a faster way to cook your favorite foods, our time-proven methodologies and deep engineering expertise produce reliable, high-quality solutions that increase efficiency, reduce waste, accelerate time to production, and improve safety in manufacturing environments. Leveraging decades of knowledge, experience, and insight, we provide tailored recommendations for Automation Consulting, Automation Controls, Automation Workcells, Process Control, and | We deliver streamlined automation systems that solve manufacturing challenges across industries, worldwide. Whether the challenge is designing industrial casting for titanium or finding a faster way to cook your favorite foods, our time-proven methodologies and deep engineering expertise produce reliable, high-quality solutions that increase efficiency, reduce waste, accelerate time to production, and improve safety in manufacturing environments. From potatoes to rocket ships, nuclear waste to jetliners, Concept Systems offers personalized support to help manufacturers work smarter, safer, and better. Leveraging decades of knowledge, experience, and insight, we provide tailored recommendations for Automation Consulting, Automation Controls, Automation Workcells, Process Control, and Panel Fabrication.
Center Street Technologies
Curious to reduce design to first article timeline with 3D printed tooling? We are committed to collaborative relationships with customers that provide value, flexibility, and risk reduction to efficiently transfer knowledge and develop technology. With both gantry and robotic systems, we specialize in thermoplastic, large format additive manufacturing (up to 12’x24’x8′), 5-axis machining, and metrology. Reach out or stop to talk to us regarding large washout cores, Automated Fiber Placement, and lightweighting via foaming. Our robust digital thread simulates part performance and drives our processes enabling design flexibility while reducing production risk.