Aerospace manufacturing technologies

At its centre located on the campus of the Université de Montréal, NRC Aerospace offers core competencies and demonstrates modern aerospace manufacturing technologies that can potentially reduce costs while maintaining high levels of quality, reliability and performance.

We help industry implement advanced, cost-effective, manufacturing methods for aerospace. A major focus is to facilitate the transition to next-generation manufacturing, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

We investigate technologies in:

• forming and joining of metallic products
• fabrication and joining of composite structures
• automation, robotics and intelligent manufacturing systems, and
• advanced material removal.

Metal forming and joining

Metal forming expertise is available to develop forging and hydroforming processes for aerospace component production. Technologies for joining metal alloys, such as laser, electron beam, linear friction and friction stir welding, are also investigated, as is the application of cladding technologies for engine component repairs.

Composite structures fabrication and joining

Studies are underway to improve liquid composite moulding technologies through use of flexible tooling and to advance thermoset composites production through the application of automation and online cure monitoring. Other investigations include use of automated fibre placement in aircraft component manufacturing, and development of new joining technologies for composite materials, such as resistance welding of thermoplastic composites.

Automation, robotics, and intelligent manufacturing systems

We tackle projects in automation, robotics, and intelligent manufacturing systems. A large gantry system equipped with two multi-axial industrial robots enables development of automated systems for assembling aircraft structures. Intelligent surface treatment and automated surface finishing technologies are also investigated. Modeling and simulation capabilities support these activities.

Advanced material removal

We also develop high-performance, high-speed machining technologies to facilitate production of highly complex parts, thin-walled structures, and aerospace materials. These include laser and vibration assisted machining, super-abrasive grinding, dry machining, and machining under minimum quantity lubrication. Other work is carried out to enhance machine tool accuracy and cutting tool performance as well as optimize machine processes.

Facilities

Major facilities include:

• a 500-ton isothermal forging press
• a 1000-ton hydroforming press
• Nd-YAG and CO2 laser, electron beam, friction stir and linear friction welding machines
• fibre placement machinery
• a 20' x 6' high temperature autoclave with a clean room
• resin transfer moulding equipment
• a 20' x 20' x 20' gantry with 2 multi-axial Kuka robots for automated assembly/riveting
• intelligent shot peening equipment
• a 5-axis Makino multi-tasking machining centre
• a 6-axis Boehringer two-spindle turning centre, and
• an online coordinate measuring machine.

Contact

Michèle Parent
Telephone: 514-283-9622
Email: Michele.Parent@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca