← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Develop new manufacturing tools for in-situ consolidation of braided carbon fiber/thermoplastic prepreg which apply appropriate temperature and pressure to a part 'on the fly', producing aerospace quality parts in a single step. In-situ consolidation of a braided structure is challenging relative to automated fiber placement (AFP) due to the high lay-down rate of the braider and simultaneous placement of a multiple prepreg tows. However, the braiding process also enables novel in-situ consolidation processes not available to AFP, such as ply level consolidation rather than tow level. The project will enable low cost, high rate manufacturing of large composite parts. If succssesful this will be proposed to the High-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HICAM) project funded through AATT.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.