Ascent Aerospace invests in large-format AM machine
The LFAM machine will enable fabrication and delivery of production-ready fixtures and molds at significantly reduced lead-times.

Ascent's large-format additive manufacturing machine. Source | Ascent Aerospace
The provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace, defense and space industries, Ascent Aerospace (Macomb, Mich., U.S.) reported on May 19 that its large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) machine is installed and operational in Santa Ana, Calif., U.S., co-located with Ascent's composites tooling shop, autoclave and cleanroom.
Investing in the machine in summer of 2019, the LFAM machine will provide customers in aerospace, automotive, maritime, energy and other industries the opportunity to benefit from large-scale printed composite tooling. Additionally, it will be possible to fabricate and deliver production-ready fixtures and molds, such as low-temperature layup molds, masters, trimming/drilling fixtures and vacuum holding fixtures at significantly reduced lead-times compared to traditional metallic tooling. The variety of materials compatible with the LFAM, such as ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, and polyethersulfone (PESU), will enable Ascent to create tailored solutions to meet customer needs and specifications.
Ascent Aerospace will hosting a virtual launch of the LFAM machine via on June 9.
Related Content
-
Trends fueling the composites recycling movement
Various recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.
-
RTM, dry braided fabric enable faster, cost-effective manufacture for hydrokinetic turbine components
Switching from prepreg to RTM led to significant time and cost savings for the manufacture of fiberglass struts and complex carbon fiber composite foils that power ORPC’s RivGen systems.
-
We4Ce infused 2.5-3-MW rotor blade design passes validation test
Composite rotor blade structure design by We4Ce, mold and prototype production by InDutch Composites and fatigue testing by Suzlon Group has resulted in the novel blade’s IEC61400-5:2020 certification.