NCMS Technology Briefs

Quarterly E-Report

NCMS Technology Briefs highlight NCMS’s cultivation and growth of innovative technologies. Through our management of government and industry collaborations, we’ve gained insights into novel approaches and best practices that can assist all companies to navigate the sometimes complex journey toward advancement. Based on the results of NCMS technology projects, the briefs show the applicability and usefulness of proven technical advances—all in an effort to speed adoption and eliminate duplication of effort. NCMS is pleased to share these insights to support US manufacturing competitiveness.

Want to stay informed?

Receive NCMS Updates

Advanced Manufacturing Processes Solve Vehicle Lightweighting Challenges
To reduce the overall weight of ground vehicles, components traditionally made with steel and other heavy alloys must be replaced with lighter weight materials such as carbon fiber and polymer composites. Some longstanding barriers have before now prevented the use of one strong candidate for lightweighting—thermoplastic composites. However, an NCMS initiative has made progress on solving two of those issues: (1) improving the mechanical integrity of thermoplastic components at elevated temperatures, and (2) optimizing the manufacturing process for thermoplastic vehicle components.
Continue Reading

Advanced Coating Techniques Improve Aircraft Engine Performance in Environmentally Challenging Operating Environments
Maintenance professionals tasked with keeping aircraft engines in first-rate condition face challenges with aircraft that operate in harsh environments, where elevated temperatures, sand, dust, and saltwater can cause significant damage. Fortunately, a new class of innovative engine coating solutions has been developed and shown to offer highly capable protection from damaging climates.

Corrosion Risk-Based Assessment Tool Improves Equipment and Infrastructure Performance, Reduces Life-Cycle Costs
Corrosion is an insidious problem around the globe, costing industries and governments billions of dollars each year in prevention and remediation while simultaneously taking critical equipment and infrastructure out of service. A recent NCMS initiative has developed a corrosion risk-based assessment tool to help combat the high cost of corrosion.