Based in Lancaster, PA, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. provides thermal management solutions and custom-engineered products. The company offers quality manufacturing, including composite structures designed for spacecraft applications. It supports industries with innovative thermal management technologies and comprehensive engineering services.
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Composite Aerospace Manufacturers
Last updated: January 2026
This directory lists 82 composite aerospace manufacturers across the United States, from highly specialized R&D and prototyping shops focused on unique material systems to large-scale, high-rate production facilities equipped for complex monolithic structures.
Buyers in this space are typically solving for critical performance factors like achieving specific strength-to-weight ratios, managing thermal expansion coefficients, and ensuring electromagnetic transparency. This necessitates working with partners adept in advanced techniques such as automated fiber placement, filament winding, or precision hand layup of prepreg materials, all while adhering to stringent documentation and quality requirements from initial article inspection (IAI) through final production.
The spectrum of suppliers includes those specializing in specific processes like vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) for larger structures, shops expert in highly complex bonded assemblies for secondary structures, and vertically integrated manufacturers who can handle everything from tooling design and fabrication to final machining and paint for primary flight control surfaces.
Company Directory
82 companies nationwide
Based in Chino, California, Advanced Custom Manufacturing is an experienced composite manufacturer. The company specializes in providing a variety of machining services for custom projects, supporting industrial clients with advanced fabrication and production capabilities.
Based in Akron, OH, Additive Engineering specializes in large format additive manufacturing (LFAM), producing 3D printed thermoplastic composite parts. They also provide advanced composite tooling, including layup molds, process tooling, and assembly fixtures for various manufacturing needs. The company offers large-scale mockups and custom dunnage, and is ITAR Registered.
Based in Ukiah, CA, AeroComposites LLC designs and manufactures composite materials. Their comprehensive facility offers CAD/CAM/CNC machining, 3D prototyping, and welding services for Aviation, Space, Architecture, and Agricultural industries. They specialize in components such as Cessna cowlings and other experimental aircraft parts.
Based in San Antonio, TX, Aircraft Technologies, Inc. is an OEM specializing in composite aerospace manufacturing. They produce aircraft cabin interior components, including toilet systems, using thermoforming and fiberglass layup. Capabilities span custom design, build-to-print, and CNC precision machining.
Based in Huntington Beach, CA, Apex Space & Defense Systems (APEX) provides precision composite manufacturing for unmanned systems and mission-critical applications. Uniting three business units with over 40 years of experience, the company delivers innovative, lightweight, and durable composite solutions for space and defense markets.
Based in White Salmon, WA, Applied Aerospace delivers comprehensive aerospace manufacturing services. They specialize in Nadcap-certified metal bond preparation, precision machining, and composite fabrication, handling all aspects in-house. The company offers design, analysis, and assembly for Space, Air, Land, and Sea markets.
Applied Composites manufactures advanced lightweight components, assemblies, and composite structures. They specialize in providing these critical parts for satellites and launch vehicles, leveraging significant flight heritage within the aerospace and defense industry.
Based in Atlanta, GA, Atomic-6, Inc. manufactures advanced aerospace composites using a proprietary process. The company produces Light Wing™ Solar Arrays for space exploration and Space Armor™ Shielding Tiles, protecting space assets in extreme environments. Atomic-6 is AS9100 certified and ITAR registered.
Axiom Materials, based in Santa Ana, CA, specializes in manufacturing advanced composite materials. The company provides Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) materials, Nomex Honeycomb, and Phenolic Prepregs. They serve critical sectors including Aerospace, Hypersonics, Electric Vehicles, and Air Mobility with high-performance composite solutions.
Based in San Clemente, CA, Composite Manufacturing Inc. specializes in custom carbon fiber and composite solutions. They offer in-house design, tooling, and manufacturing expertise. The company provides cutting-edge composite structures for various applications, including medical disciplines like neurological surgery and orthopedic procedures.
Carson Helicopters, based in Perkasie, PA, is an FAA-approved manufacturer of composite aerospace components. They specialize in designing and producing advanced composite main and tail rotor blades for helicopters, enhancing safety and performance. The company also offers MRO services and aircraft upgrades.
Based in Redmond, OR, Composite Approach operates as a full-service advanced composite facility. The company specializes in the conception, development, fabrication, and production of various performance composite products, offering comprehensive manufacturing capabilities for clients seeking specialized composite solutions.
Based in Warren, OR, Composites Universal Group provides advanced composites manufacturing services. They specialize in producing composite parts and assemblies for unmanned platforms, ensuring repeatability and field-ready components. Their full-service capabilities include engineering, prototyping, tooling, and production for diverse industries.
Cotesa, based in Cedarburg, WI, manufactures precision-engineered, high-strength composite components. The company delivers lightweight structures for advanced aircraft and space applications, offering scalable solutions from prototypes to large-scale production. Cotesa brings over two decades of composite manufacturing expertise.
CRP USA offers advanced additive manufacturing and CNC services, specializing in Windform® composite materials and metal alloys. Leveraging 50 years of motorsport experience, they produce durable, lightweight parts with strict tolerances for Aerospace, Defense, and UAV primes. The company is AS9100 Rev. D certified.
CTL Aerospace is a NADCAP and AS9100D certified advanced composite facility manufacturing fiber reinforced polymer structures. With over 74 years of experience, this OEM and MRO provider serves aerospace and industrial customers. They offer comprehensive composite solutions and repair services from their 300,000 sq. ft. facility.
Based in East Haven, CT, Current, Inc. manufactures and designs high-performance carbon fiber sheets, tubing, rods, and custom molded composite parts. They utilize phenolic, epoxy, and melamine resin systems to produce laminated composites for demanding applications across defense, automotive, and marine industries.
Based in Solon, OH, DAS Aviation specializes in comprehensive composite repair and overhaul services for aircraft components. They provide expert bonding repair, structural maintenance, and parts support for business jet and commercial aviation sectors, acting as a trusted partner for aerospace component needs.
Based in Wichita, KS, Fiber Dynamics Inc. provides engineered composite and carbon fiber parts for aerospace, aviation, and military applications. The company offers prototyping, production, and finishing services, specializing in complex, integrated structures with hollow interiors and internal stiffeners through proprietary processes like lost-core resin transfer molding (LCRTM).
Based in Seattle, WA, Fiberdyne Advanced Composites manufactures carbon fiber components for aerospace, automotive, and marine industries. They specialize in oven and autoclave cured epoxy resin systems and infusion methods. Fiberdyne fabricates complex carbon fiber structures, including wing strakes, wing flaps, and wing lockers for critical aerospace applications.
General Dynamics Mission Systems designs and produces advanced aerospace composite structures and assemblies. The company manufactures wing structures for a wide range of commercial aerospace applications, utilizing its facility in Pittsfield, MA.
GE Aerospace designs and manufactures jet and turboprop engines and integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. The company is actively involved in developing and utilizing advanced materials like Ceramic Matrix Composites for high-performance aerospace applications.
Based in Miamisburg, OH, Hawthorn Composites specializes in comprehensive composite engineering and manufacturing. They utilize dry fabrics, resin infusion, and novel methods to produce complex geometry composite parts for aerospace applications such as drones, UAVs, and ordinance. The company focuses on high-quality, cost-effective solutions and is AS9100D certified.
Hexcel Corporation manufactures advanced composite materials and technologies, including carbon fiber and honeycomb. The company provides lightweighting solutions primarily for the commercial aerospace industry and transportation sectors. With 19 manufacturing plants, Hexcel develops and supplies critical composite products for the future of flight.
Based in Huntsville, AL, American Precision Products provides custom injection, compression, and transfer molding services. They process thermoplastics, elastomers, and thermosets, specializing in highly controlled manufacturing for commercial, government, and aerospace applications. Capabilities include insert, miniature, and micro molding, with AS9100D and ITAR certifications.
Based in White Salmon, WA, Innovative Composite Engineering Inc. specializes in designing, manufacturing, and producing custom carbon fiber solutions. They provide complete composite solutions, from initial development through custom volume production, for aerospace, automotive, military, and industrial clients, operating to AS9100D standards.
Integris Composites, with a US facility in Hebron, Ohio, designs and manufactures composite solutions. They specialize in ballistic protection for aerospace applications, providing tailored composite armor against ballistic and blast threats for military and law enforcement.
Based in Sedro-Woolley, WA, Janicki provides advanced manufacturing services for large-scale tools, parts, prototypes, and assemblies, serving aerospace, defense, and space industries. They leverage custom-developed 5-axis machines and proprietary CNC software with volumetric error compensation for unprecedented accuracy on projects up to 100 feet.
Based in Warner, NH, Mentis Sciences Inc. is a defense and aerospace company specializing in innovative engineering and manufacturing solutions. They provide composites fabrication and design services, leveraging expertise in materials science and testing. The company operates with AS9100D and ISO9001 quality certifications.
Based in Valencia, CA, MP Aero, LLC specializes in aerospace composite component manufacturing, utilizing fiberglass, carbon fiber, and honeycomb materials. They also provide VIP aircraft interior component fabrication, including cabin structures and upholstery. Services extend to precision metal fabrication, exotic alloy forming, and prototyping for diverse aerospace projects.
MTCcorp, based in Fountain Valley, CA, specializes in engineering and manufacturing advanced composite aerospace parts. They offer prototyping, tooling design, and production fabrication for carbon fiber composites, serving clients like Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin. The company is AS9100D and ITAR certified, ensuring high quality and defense industry compliance.
Northrop Grumman is a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer, employing advanced processes to produce high-quality aerostructures, solid rocket motors, and components for satellites and autonomous aircraft. The company focuses on accelerating production for low Earth orbit and enhancing defense capabilities through innovative manufacturing.
Based in Stanton, CA, Pacific Aerospace Corp specializes in manufacturing advanced composite components and assemblies for aerospace. The company offers comprehensive support in precision machining, tooling, and assembly, with certifications including AS9100 and ITAR compliance for carbon fiber parts.
Park Aerospace specializes in advanced composite materials for the aerospace industry. They manufacture aircraft primary and secondary structures, interiors, and radomes. The company also provides thermal insulation and ablative materials, including components for rocket nozzles.
Reinhold Industries, Inc. manufactures advanced composite and metallic structures for Aerospace, Defense, and Aircraft. They specialize in composite components and hybrid metal-composite assemblies, including ablative parts for space and military requirements. The company also offers cabin interior solutions like composite seatbacks and armrests for commercial airlines.
Based in Miamisburg, OH, Renegade Materials Corporation manufactures high-performance composite materials for the aerospace industry. They specialize in light-weight, highly-engineered prepregs, adhesives, resins, and hybrid composite systems, enabling maximum fuel efficiency in commercial and military aircraft structures.
Based in West Jordan, UT, Rock West Composites manufactures advanced composite structures for aerospace, defense, space, and commercial aircraft. They provide engineering, development, and production processes. A key supplier to Blue Origin, they also hold a Silver Boeing Performance Excellence Award and supply components for lunar missions.
Based in Fort Worth, TX, Sawyer Composite specializes in composite part and tooling fabrication. With ISO9001/AS9100 and ITAR registered facilities, they provide high-quality manufacturing for complex composite components and tooling. They serve demanding industries such as aerospace and defense with reliable solutions.
Based in Renton, WA, SEKISUI Aerospace offers advanced manufacturing for the aerospace industry. Specializing in intelligent automation, design optimization, and rapid prototype-to-manufacturing processing, the company provides custom manufacturing services, including proprietary thermoplastics molding. They utilize 50+ production lines and have over 30 years of experience.
Based in Miamisburg, OH, Smart Tooling provides formable, reusable composite tooling solutions for manufacturing complex composite parts. They serve the aerospace & defense industry, offering custom tooling engineering, design, mold fabrication, and initial composite part manufacturing. Their solutions enhance quality and increase production throughput.
Swift Engineering specializes in advanced composite manufacturing, offering expertise from prototype development to full-scale production of parts and tools. Based in San Clemente, CA, the company provides high-quality composite solutions for various industrial applications, including aerospace. They focus on delivering complex engineering projects with their own facilities and workforce.
Based in Statesville, NC, Symmetrix Composite Tooling Inc. provides advanced tooling solutions for composite aerospace manufacturers. Specializing in close contour casting, precision shaping, and creating production tooling, their services include closed molds, direct machined tooling, and elevated temperature molds, supporting diverse composite part making processes.
Based in Charleston, SC, TIGHITCO specializes in the design, engineering, fabrication, and assembly of complex composite parts and integrated structures. They also provide insulation and overhaul support. Serving aerospace & defense, energy, industrial, marine, oil & gas, and space sectors, TIGHITCO delivers advanced composite manufacturing.
Touchstone Advanced Composites provides innovative composite tooling and parts manufacturing for the aerospace industry. With over 40 talented engineers and technicians and 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space, the company offers a full suite of prototype and production tooling, alongside composite and metal fabrication services.
The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) delivers innovative science and engineering solutions for U.S. government and industrial clients. UDRI specializes in fabricating large composite aerostructures, advanced materials, and manufacturing technologies, including robotic composite processing and additive manufacturing. They provide rigorous testing and evaluation services.
Upland Fab, based in Ontario, CA, specializes in precision machining of carbon fiber, honeycomb, and other composite materials. They manufacture flight-critical plastic and composite parts for aerospace manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, utilizing advanced CNC milling, turning, and 5-axis capabilities.
Van Horn Aviation, based in Tempe, AZ, specializes in the design, certification, and manufacturing of advanced composite rotor blades. The company produces high-performance blades specifically engineered to enhance the fiscal and physical operational efficiency of various legacy helicopters. They offer direct manufacturing services for aerospace applications.
Based in Fallston, MD, Vortech, Inc. manufactures rotor blades for aerospace applications. The company specializes in high-quality 100% composite carbon helicopter rotor blades. Vortech also produces high-strength aluminum rotor blades for various homebuilt rotorcraft, including main and tail rotors for helicopters and gyroplanes.
Based in Morganton, NC, VX Aerospace is a small, veteran-owned business specializing in composite fabrication and assembly for commercial and military aerospace. They offer in-house tool design, rapid prototyping, and complex structural assembly. With AS9100 and FAA Part 145 certifications, they work with diverse composite materials.
Based in Douglasville, GA, West Cobb Engineering and Tool specializes in composite manufacturing, large 5-axis CNC machining, and aerospace equipment fabrication. They deliver precision composite and metal tooling, assembly fixtures, and jigs for aircraft manufacturers, supporting efficient aerospace production lines with comprehensive design, fabrication, and installation services.
Based in Columbus, OH, Wolf Composites specializes in custom composite manufacturing. They provide contract manufacturing and build-to-print prototyping services for a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, medical, and various industrial and commercial applications.
Novatek 3D specializes in advanced composite manufacturing, offering tailored solutions for the aerospace and automotive sectors. They produce durable carbon fiber parts using techniques like prepreg, infusion, and vacuum-assisted hand-layup. The company also manufactures composite and thermoplastic radomes for various applications, providing rapid design-to-delivery services.
Saint-Gobain Aerospace directly manufactures advanced composite components for the aerospace industry. Their US composite plants, including one in Ravenna, OH, feature extensive curing capacities with multiple large ovens and autoclaves. They provide specialized composite manufacturing services utilizing robust equipment and processes for high-performance applications.
Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Advanced Composites Inc. manufactures aerospace composite structures. They specialize in producing components like carbon fiber tubing for both defense and commercial applications, serving industrial customers with high-performance composite solutions.
Aerodine Composites, based in Indianapolis, IN, manufactures high-performance composite solutions for aerospace and space technology. They design and produce advanced composite components and structures crucial for space exploration advancements. The company leverages materials science and fabrication expertise to deliver robust composite parts.
Aero Products Company, based in Los Angeles, CA, specializes in manufacturing composite aerospace assemblies. The company utilizes various pre-preg and fiberglass materials to produce high-quality components for the aerospace industry, focusing on delivering precision composite solutions.
Aerospace Composites LLC manufactures airplane components and assemblies using composite, metal, and honeycomb materials. Since 1989, they have offered in-house bonding, autoclave, oven, and heated press services. The company specializes in aerospace manufacturing, holding certifications from Tinker Air Force Base for metal-to-metal and honeycomb bonding, and numerous defense contracts.
Air Command International specializes in manufacturing composite aerospace components, including high-inertia Skywheels rotor blade systems and carbon fiber rudders for gyroplanes. The company provides complete gyroplane kits and replacement parts, supporting the construction and maintenance of single-seat aircraft with advanced composite materials and designs.
Based in Carrollton, TX, Allied Composite Plastics, Inc. is a woman and minority-owned business. The company specializes in providing plastic components and solutions for the aircraft and government sectors, indicating expertise in aerospace manufacturing applications involving composite plastics.
Based in Dallas, TX, Alpine Advanced Materials is an AS9100D certified composite engineering and manufacturing firm. They specialize in high-performance composite manufacturing, offering product design, prototyping, and production services. The company provides metallic-to-non-metallic design expertise and lightweighting solutions for the defense, aerospace, space, and UAV industries.
ATC Manufacturing provides advanced thermoplastic composite solutions for the aerospace industry. It engineers and produces lighter, tougher, and sustainable primary and secondary aircraft structures. With 20 years of experience, ATC optimizes part performance and production rates for commercial aerospace applications.
Carbon By Design, based in Carlsbad, CA, specializes in composite manufacturing for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aerostructures, and spacecraft. They offer composite structures, preflight integration, and ablative products for thermal protection. With in-house design and engineering expertise, Carbon By Design is an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 registered provider.
Based in Duluth, MN, Clearwater Composites, LLC designs and manufactures carbon fiber composites and custom parts at its US facility. The company specializes in producing high-performance carbon fiber tubes and offers expert engineering solutions. Serving customers nationwide, they provide composite solutions for high-end robotics, precision industrial, and manufacturing applications.
Based in Rock Hill, SC, Re:Build Composite Resources specializes in advanced composite manufacturing, utilizing autoclave and out-of-autoclave processing. They provide precision-built solutions for diverse industries including commercial aerospace, military and defense, and space. The company delivers high-performance, tailored results for mission-critical applications.
Eagle Composites, LLC is a precision manufacturer of high-performance composite components and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industries. They offer advanced composite manufacturing capabilities including Resin Transfer Molding, Autoclave Processing, Compression Molding, and Composite Bonding for aero-engine applications across commercial and defense platforms.
Based in Newport News, VA, Eagle Aviation Technologies designs and fabricates high-performance composite rotor and propeller blades. They offer comprehensive composite manufacturing services, including wet layup, resin infusion, and pre-preg processes using fiberglass, graphite, and aramid. The company maintains AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications.
Based in Salt Lake City, UT, NACCO Aerospace specializes in manufacturing high-performance fiberglass components and structures. The company's products are renowned for their durability, strength, and versatility, catering specifically to the demanding requirements of the aerospace industry. They provide custom composite solutions.
Finishline Advanced Composites, LLC, based in Fairfield, CA, manufactures carbon fiber and composite components. They offer comprehensive services from design, prototyping, and custom one-off products to small or large-scale production. Specializing in the aerospace, military, and UAV sectors, the company also provides composite repair services.
Based in Houston, TX, General Plastics & Composites, L.P. specializes in engineering and manufacturing advanced composite products. The company brings ideas to life with precision, providing solutions for industries that demand strength, reliability, and innovation.
Harris Composites, Inc., based in Granbury, TX, specializes in aerospace composite bonding, machining, and tooling. They manufacture and repair components like panels, ducts, radomes, and access doors for aircraft (e.g., 777, F-16, C-130), adhering to FAA guidelines. Services include sub-assembly, various coatings, and custom aircraft tooling.
Lee Aerospace manufactures aircraft composite production parts and tools, alongside engineering OEM and aftermarket aircraft windows. The company serves major aerospace manufacturers like Boeing, Cessna, and Bombardier, also offering worldwide window repairs, inspections, and service.
Light Composites, a San Diego-based carbon composites manufacturer, primarily serves the aerospace and medical device industries. They specialize in mold making, pre-preg compression, and bladder molding, alongside product development and rapid prototyping. Offering advanced engineering services, the company is AS9100:D and ISO9001:2015 compliant for high-quality production.
Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Nammo Composite Solutions, LLC manufactures advanced composite structures for defense and aerospace. They serve DoD contractors and Aerospace OEMs, offering services from concept to full-rate production. Capabilities encompass filament winding, braiding, molding, RTM, and CNC machining, with AS9100 and NADCAP certifications.
Precision Castparts Corp. specializes in the manufacture and repair of composite and metal-bonded parts, subassemblies, and assemblies for aerospace applications. The company utilizes a wide variety of common aerospace materials to produce precision components, serving the stringent demands of the aerospace industry.
Protech Composites, based in Vancouver, WA, manufactures custom carbon fiber parts for industrial manufacturers. Their proprietary process ensures zero porosity and cosmetically flawless components, tailored, machined, and molded to precise specifications. Protech Composites offers fast turnaround times, no order minimums, and proudly makes all products in the USA.
Based in Beavercreek, OH, Resonant Sciences operates a state-of-the-art aerospace fabrication center with extensive composite labs. The company specializes in aerospace manufacturing, advanced apertures, electromagnetic measurement systems, integrated electronics, EO/IR instrumentation, and radar solutions for various aerospace applications.
SMI Composites, LLC is a US-based manufacturer specializing in advanced composite materials. They provide custom design, research, development, and proprietary tooling technologies, ensuring stringent process control and quality. Serving the aerospace, defense, military, and automotive industries, they create innovative composite solutions.
Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. manufactures advanced aerospace-grade prepreg material systems. These composite materials are engineered for optimal mechanical properties and extremely low porosity, crucial for demanding aerospace applications. The company provides high-performance composite solutions designed for integration into aircraft and space components.
Albany Engineered Composites designs and manufactures advanced materials-based engineered components. They support demanding aerospace applications, serving both commercial and military platforms with their solutions.
Based in Morgantown, KY, Aerospace Composites offers end-to-end composite solutions for aerospace and defense. The company provides full lifecycle expertise, encompassing design, engineering, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing of precision components. They utilize advanced materials like Toray carbon epoxy composite, trusted across the industry.
Qarbon Aerospace is a US-based manufacturer of composite components and assemblies for the aerospace industry. The company provides turnkey composite manufacturing and assembly solutions for structural and engine needs. They serve commercial and military aircraft customers, specializing in complex challenges for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
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How to Choose a Company
- For flight-critical primary structures or defense applications, mandate Nadcap accreditation specifically for Composite Processes (CP) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), alongside AS9100, to ensure compliance with stringent quality system and process control standards.
- Verify the manufacturer's in-house capabilities for tooling design and fabrication, including temperature-controlled cleanrooms for prepreg layup and sufficient autoclave capacity, to ensure precise control over cure cycles, fiber volume fraction, and final part geometry.
- Scrutinize their material handling and traceability procedures, especially for thermoset prepregs, to confirm rigorous tracking of batch numbers, expiration dates, and freezer storage conditions, as lapses can lead to costly material waste, delamination issues, or part rejection.
- Be wary of manufacturers who under-quote tooling costs or promise unrealistically short lead times for initial article inspection (IAI) and production runs without a clear understanding of your program's specific qualification requirements, such as extensive coupon testing or full-scale structural testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most critical NDT methods for composite aerospace components, and when are they applied?
Ultrasonic testing (UT) and X-ray inspection are paramount for composite aerospace components. UT detects internal defects like delaminations, voids, and foreign object debris (FOD) using sound waves, crucial for assessing bond line integrity in co-cured structures. X-ray is often used for detecting internal defects in complex geometries, verifying fiber alignment, or inspecting inserts. Both are typically required post-cure and pre-assembly for flight-critical parts, with Nadcap accreditation for NDT being a key indicator of a manufacturer's capability and process control.
How does a manufacturer's material shelf life management system impact my composite aerospace project's lead time and cost?
For advanced composite materials like prepregs, shelf life is a critical factor directly impacting material properties and part performance. A robust manufacturer will have a meticulous system for tracking material receipt, freezer storage, and usage to ensure only in-spec material is ever used. Poor shelf life management can lead to material expiration, requiring costly reorders, significantly delaying production schedules, and potentially compromising the mechanical properties of your components. Always insist on detailed material traceability records for every batch used in your parts.
What level of tooling ownership and maintenance should I expect to negotiate with a composite aerospace manufacturer?
Tooling ownership and maintenance is a major negotiation point, particularly for custom, high-value tools like invar molds for complex monolithic structures. For such bespoke tools, buyers typically retain ownership and are ultimately responsible for major maintenance costs. The manufacturer usually handles day-to-day care, but agreements must explicitly define who bears the cost for repairs, refurbishment, or replacement due to wear and tear versus manufacturing defects or negligence. Clearly outlining these terms upfront prevents costly disputes and ensures tool longevity.