Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discover how Performance Composites harnesses 3D printing, robotics, and digitization to lead the way in high-performance composite manufacturing.
Performance Composites operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities: a 53,000-square-foot plant in Compton, California, and a 51,000-square-foot plant in Reno, Nevada. The company is a pioneer in utilizing modern technologies, including 3D printing, robotics, and digitization, to capitalize on emerging opportunities in composite manufacturing.
These advanced manufacturing methods enable Performance Composites to create lightweight, durable, and high-performance products for various industries, reinforcing their position as an industry leader.
What Are Composites?
Composites are materials made by combining two or more constituent substances with different physical or chemical properties. Together, they produce material with properties superior to the individual components. The most common composites include fiberglass, carbon fiber, and resin-based materials, all known for their high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and versatility.
Composites are used to create products that require enhanced performance, such as durability, flexibility, and low weight, making them indispensable in many industries.
Industries That Benefit From Composites
Aerospace and Defense
The aerospace industry relies heavily on composites for lightweight and durable components that enhance fuel efficiency and performance. Performance Composites manufactures aircraft interiors, radomes, and structural components that meet stringent safety and performance standards. These products ensure aircraft can withstand high-altitude pressures and extreme temperatures while maintaining structural integrity.
Renewable Energy
Wind turbines benefit greatly from composite materials, particularly for the construction of turbine blades. Performance Composites supplies components for renewable energy applications, such as lightweight and durable blades, which are essential for maximizing energy capture and ensuring long operational lifespans.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
In the electric vehicle market, composites play a pivotal role in reducing weight, improving efficiency, and ensuring the safety of components. Performance Composites specializes in vacuum-infused EV battery trays, offering a perfect balance of strength and weight reduction. These trays are critical for improving range and energy efficiency in electric vehicles.
Medical Equipment
The healthcare industry depends on composites for medical device enclosures and equipment housing. These products are lightweight, robust, and resistant to chemical and microbial exposure, ensuring longevity and compliance with safety regulations. Performance Composites’ medical enclosures protect sensitive equipment while providing ergonomic designs suited to healthcare environments.
Industrial Applications
Composites are used in heavy-duty industrial applications such as truck bowls, storage tanks, and piping systems. Performance Composites provides solutions that offer exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, allowing them to withstand harsh chemical environments. For example, their composite truck bowls are ideal for transporting corrosive materials in a lightweight yet robust structure.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Drones
The UAV industry requires high-performance materials that combine light weight with structural strength. Performance Composites produces advanced drone boxes and other components that enhance agility and flight performance. These products are vital for applications ranging from surveillance to delivery systems.
Innovative Product Applications
Performance Composites leverages its technological prowess to explore new product opportunities across multiple sectors. Notable applications include:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Trays
In the rapidly growing EV market, efficient and lightweight battery enclosures are crucial. Performance Composites has developed vacuum-infused battery trays that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, enhancing vehicle performance and energy efficiency. The use of advanced composites in these trays ensures durability while minimizing weight, a critical factor in electric vehicle design.
- Medical Equipment Enclosures
The medical industry demands materials that are not only durable but also compliant with stringent safety standards. Performance Composites manufactures composite enclosures for medical equipment, providing solutions that are both lightweight and robust. These enclosures protect sensitive medical devices and contribute to the overall safety and reliability of healthcare operations.
- High-Performance Drone Components
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require components that are lightweight yet strong to ensure optimal performance. Performance Composites has engineered high-performance drone boxes using advanced composite materials. These components offer the necessary structural integrity while keeping the drones agile and efficient.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
Performance Composites exemplifies innovation in the manufacturing sector by embracing modern technologies to create high-performance composite products. Their strategic integration of 3D printing, robotics, and digitization not only aligns with current industry trends but also positions them as leaders in delivering advanced solutions across various applications. The company’s commitment to leveraging today’s technologies ensures they remain at the cutting edge of composite manufacturing, aptly reflecting their name—Performance Composites.
