The University of Dayton Research Institute, the Dayton Development Coalition, EMTEC, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the State of Ohio Department of Development worked together to establish NCC in 1996 as a tax-exempt research and development organization to unlock mainstream commercial markets and tap a vast resource for new business opportunities. Since then NCC has become the model for technology transfer for manufacturers and its successes have generated significant returns. Today, NCC is recognized as the national center of excellence for the development and commercialization of cost competitive composite materials and manufacturing processes for the aerospace, defense, ground transportation, commercial and infrastructure markets. As the critical link, the Center is able to take projects that would normally require up to 10 years to transition from invention to industry application and dramatically shortens those steps. NCC’s wide range of engineering expertise in composite materials and processing technology, combined with its team of technical specialists experienced in multiple disciplines, takes customers from concept to factory ready products all under one roof while providing key consulting services. NCC’s own signature Rapid Fiber Preforming Process and other comprehensive technology solutions are being used to manufacture a broad range of products. They include:
- Design Optimization – NCC uses the unique Genesis™ software from VR&D to help manufacturers integrate composites into structural designs and harvest substantial cost and weight savings among other benefits. NCC has also implemented ABAQUS into its Design and Optimization portfolio to model applications with large deflections and nonlinear material properties.
- Rapid Fiber Preforming – multiple preforming cells offer the capability to manufacture cost effective parts from small to large scale and everything in between.
- Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics - offers manufacturers the ability to reduce part costs and weight – elements essential to building the production rate advantages necessary for survival in today’s competitive environment
- Litecast® - The Center’s patented robust joining solution for manufacturers who want to join composites to aluminum or magnesium end fittings.
- Closed Molding – NCC is a comprehensive resource for closed molding technology and development including Vacuum Infusion and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) processes.
Built on a track record for success, NCC’s milestone accomplishments are the result of close collaboration with the Center’s membership base, the volunteer leadership of its Board of Trustees and the cooperation of numerous community and government partners. Recent milestones include:
- NCC demonstrated its ability to retain key technology and spin off new business by successfully negotiating the purchase of Delphi Automotive Systems’ (NYSE: DPH) composite spring business and launching Liteflex LLC. The Center’s efforts helped attract the attention of world-class distributor ArvinMeritor who together with Liteflex is poised to capture a significant share of the heavy duty spring business. In addition to its ongoing licensing of composite mono-leaf spring technology to Liteflex, NCC continues to expand its intellectual assets.
- NCC used its preforming and closed molding expertise to produce composite fire helmets in multiple colors for Lion Apparel. The composite fire helmets proved stronger yet 15 percent lighter than traditional models. Impact resistance was increased by 15 percent. NCC also developed lean manufacturing techniques for Lion Apparel that improved the company’s delivery rate by 80 percent. The result today is a growing helmet molding division owned by Lion Apparel and located conveniently in the NCC building.
- NCC is partnering with the University of Dayton Research Institute to help commercialize nanocomposites through the Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanomaterials and Devices (CMPND). NCC is working to produce test plaques using various molding methods with nano modified resins and materials for the Air Force Research Laboratory, Northrop and the University of Toledo and has several private contracts to develop test articles with nano modified polymers and materials.
- NCC collaborated with Advanced Cerametrics Inc. (ACI) receiving a State of Ohio , Third Frontier Wright Capital project award for $2.038 million. The grant supports the commercialization of ACI’s patented flexible piezoelectric (PZT) ceramic fiber composites for energy storage and smart systems. The grant led to Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and NCC establishing the North Central Campus for Emerging Technology (NCC-ET) for scale-up of ACI’s PZT fibers with the Center as a technology and manufacturing resource.
- As a result of NCC’s commercial successes in the closed molding arena, the Center launched a new company, Composite Advantage LLC, to take over production of a unique pump concept for the down hole oil field industry and deliver high value products to markets that do not traditionally use composites.
- NCC and Composites One announced a joint agreement naming Composites One as sole distributor of NCC’s Rapid Fiber Preforming technology for North America.
- Ohio State Senator Steve Austria stated, “It is through the endeavors of organizations such as NCC, that Ohio has gained a reputation as a state whose residents are eager to invest in the future of their communities.”
Housing supportive incubation services, the Center also provides a pilot production plant where companies are developing large-scale manufacturing methods and establishing industry standards. NCC’s Education and Conference Center offers state-of-the-art capabilities to a wide range of groups from NCC members to area businesses, universities, professional associations and other organizations.
NCC is committed to the ongoing exploration of advanced manufacturing technologies to provide industry and consumers alike with high performance materials that last longer and cost less. Its projects, both commercial and member-related, reflect the organization’s ability to develop smart composite solutions by identifying technology transfer opportunities and continuing to develop new manufacturing methods and birth new composite products and business enterprises.
In addition to its strategic location, NCC has aligned itself with critical programs such as the Regional Technology Council (RTC) and Governor Bob Taft’s Third Frontier Project. The Coalition and The Engineering and Science Foundation formed the RTC to bring local engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs together to work more closely on commercializing technology. Governor Taft’s Third Frontier Project promises to make Ohio the leader in high-tech, high-paying jobs. In addition, NCC and Ideation International Inc. unveiled the Ohio Innovation Center (OIC) LLC. NCC and Ideation are teaming with the Engineers Club of Dayton to revolutionize the state’s business, technology and education communities with a total solution for innovation and invention. Through teamwork and expanding partnerships, NCC continues to bridge the gap between science and practicality to strengthen commerce in Ohio , establish more affordable manufacturing methods and lead composite industry advancements in the United States .
For more information about NCC or to become a member, contact NCC at cyexley@compositecenter.org or call 937-297-9450.