A new Advanced Composite Manufacturing Institute, one of six National Network for Manufacturing Innovation Institutes to launch in 2014, will receive up to $70 million over five years in Energy Department funding. The Institute will target continuous or discontinuous carbon and glass fiber composites, primarily. These composite materials are based on thermoset or thermoplastic resins with superior strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios relative to other materials. These types of composites are foundational technologies that are broadly applicable and pervasive in multiple industries and markets with transformational technical and economic impact. In addition, these composites directly support clean energy and industrial applications with the potential to impact national energy goals.

The Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) supports the development of innovative next-generation manufacturing processes and production technologies through the creation of collaborative communities with shared research, development and demonstration (RD&D) infrastructure. At its technical core, this Institute will share a common infrastructure that makes equipment and resources accessible to external parties that would otherwise be cost prohibitive, particularly for small and medium‐sized enterprises. Work conducted at the Institute’s shared facilities will reduce technical risks and support the development of a business case that justifies subsequent private investment. Public‐private shared RD&D infrastructure devoted to advanced manufacturing has been a key recommendation of both industry and academia.1

The Funding Opportunity Announcement is available. Learn more about today’s Manufacturing Innovation Institute announcement. Read the proceedings from a recent AMO workshop on fiber reinforced polymer composites (including a workshop summary) and an overview document on these composites.

1 President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Report to the President on Capturing Domestic Competitive Advantage in Advanced Manufacturing. Web. July 2012.