AEC produces a range of traditional and non-traditional 2D laminated composites.  Our production capacity and range of products is based on the following capabilities:

AEC’s NADCAP accredited processes are used to produce conventional prepreg structures, which are typically autoclave cured.

With contour weaving we can manufacture either single- or multi-layer 3D woven axisymmetric structures with contoured cross sectional profiles, with the intention that the final woven preform shape be similar to the final component shape.  This reduces part production costs (because additional preform cutting, darting, or special additional forming is not needed) and improves product structural performance (because the part is continuously woven, as opposed to an assembly of individual components).

AEC can ‘steer’ fibers when creating single- or multi-layer 3D woven fabrics.  The result is a composite structure comprised of reinforcement fibers that turn and follow the natural geometry of the part.  This reduces part production costs (because additional cutting, darting, or special additional forming is not needed) and improves product structural performance (because shape is continuously woven, as opposed to an assembly of individual fiber plies which may not best suit the loading needs of the intended final application).

AEC can add additional discrete through-thickness reinforcements  to both 2D and 3D woven products in order to improve strength properties throughout a material or specific region of a final component.