AEROSPACE COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING
AS9100 Composite Manufacturing Solutions for Aerospace
ACP Composites specializes in developing and producing lightweight, high-performance, customized aerospace composites used in various manned and unmanned flight systems and components to AS9100:D requirements. We understand the challenges engineers in the field face, with a concentrated focus on reducing weight without compromising other beneficial characteristics like structural integrity, corrosion resistance, and thermal performance; composites are an ideal material for a variety of aerospace applications.
Using lightweight, advanced carbon fiber and aerospace-grade composite materials, ACP Composites offers innovative, practical, & feasible solutions for all aerospace, aeronautical, and UAV applications. Our team of experts works closely with you to move your product from drawing design to production.
Aerospace Composite Components We Manufacture
At ACP, our team of engineers and skilled production professionals is focused on producing composite components and parts that make continued advancement possible. Some examples of the parts and components we manufacture for aerospace customers using composites are:
UAV, Drone & Unmanned Composite Components
- Bodies & frames
- Panel covers
- Payload housings
- Mounting systems
Spaceflight & Launch Vehicle Parts
- Rocket nose cones
- Raceway covers
- Emergency chute components
- Satellite components
Satellite Parts
- Bus panels
- Payload structures
- Experiment enclosures
- Thermal control panels
Airframe & Structural Components
- Aircraft and rocket body fairings
- Wingtips and exterior components
- Interior bulkheads and panels
- Mounting structures, structural inserts
Prototype to Production Aerospace Composites Manufacturing
ACP Composites supports aerospace programs throughout the entire product lifecycle, with everything from early-stage prototyping development to low-volume production and full-scale manufacturing covered by an AS9100:D certification. Manufacturing capabilities include advanced composite layup and fabrication, autoclave curing, precision CNC machining, and high-volume assembly services, enabling ACP to serve as a single-source manufacturing partner.
By collaborating with customer engineering departments during the initial design phases, ACP can help evaluate specific performance requirements to determine proper composite materials, laminate construction, weight-reduction opportunities, and other concerns. By focusing on the end application, ACP helps reduce development risks while creating a smoother transition from prototype to production.
Full Aerospace Composites Capabilities Include:
- Composite material selection support and laminate optimization
- Prototype development and validation
- Scalable volume production capabilities including discrete runs
- Hand layup and vacuum bagging
- Custom tooling support
- Precision CNC trimming and machining services
- Subassembly and final assembly services
Why Aerospace Manufacturers Choose Composites vs. Aluminum
| Property | Composites | Aluminum/Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lower | Higher |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | Excellent | Good |
| Fatigue Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Design Flexibility | High | Moderate |
Advantages of Composites in Aerospace Applications
By replacing core components, traditionally made from lightweight alloys or metals, with carbon fiber and advanced composites, airframe weight can be reduced by 20 to 50%, allowing for faster flight, higher altitudes, and more fuel-efficient aircraft.
With an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, composite components offer superior design flexibility, durability, thermal stability, vibration dampening, chemical resistance, and radar transparency, making them ideal for even the most demanding aerospace applications.
Why Choose ACP Composites for Aerospace Composites
For almost four decades, ACP has skillfully manufactured and rigorously tested high-quality, high-performing, long-lasting, customized composite materials for the aerospace industry.
Small business, woman-owned business, various certifications
We’re certified experts in solving technical and design challenges the aerospace industry faces and delivering the components you require on schedule, to specification, and within budget. ACP Composites is an optimal aerospace composite manufacturing partner for fabricating custom parts and components from start to finish.
FAQs About Aerospace Composites Manufacturing Services
Why are carbon fiber composites used in aerospace applications?
Carbon fiber composites provide exceptional strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional metallic materials.
What aerospace components can be manufactured from composite materials?
Composite materials are commonly used to manufacture fairings, UAV structures, satellite components, equipment housings, structural panels, launch vehicle components, and aircraft interior panels.
Can composite materials replace aluminum aerospace components?
Many aerospace applications successfully replace aluminum with composite materials to reduce weight, improve corrosion resistance, and increase design flexibility.
Does ACP support aerospace prototype development?
Yes. ACP is an AS9100:D certified manufacturer that supports prototype fabrication, minor levels of engineering support, low-volume production, and full-scale manufacturing depending on project requirements.
What composite materials are commonly used in aerospace manufacturing?
Common aerospace composite materials include carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb core structures, and advanced sandwich panel constructions designed to maximize strength while minimizing weight.
