Composites Horizons to support GE Aviation

Covina, California – Composites Horizons LLC (CHI), a division of AIP Aerospace, is creating a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) facility adjacent to its existing polymer matrix composite (PMC) facilities in Covina, Calif. The 35,000ft² building will be dedicated to the manufacturing of sophisticated oxide ceramic matrix composites (OX/OX CMCs).

 

CHI, a specialty manufacturer of high temperature composites used in the gas turbine engines, also has been selected by GE Aviation as a supplier of components for an OX/OX CMC exhaust system for a key business aircraft engine program. This award represents the largest contract in CHI’s 30-year history. High temperature CMCs enable manufacturers to reduce engine weight and improve efficiency.

 

Included with CHI’s expansion is an $11 million investment in new equipment and processes for all four existing facilities. The new facility will house a 4,000ft² clean room with a dedicated ply cutter, laser projection, and a team of personnel trained in oxide ceramic production. The new facility will also include a 15,000ft² assembly area and a sintering furnace with 8ft³ capacity and 2500°F temperature capability. Ultimately, the building will include two dedicated autoclaves, an additional production sintering furnace, a smaller development furnace, 5-axis CMC machining centers, quality inspection capability for CMC products, and house the company’s executive offices.

 

Also included in the expansion are three 5 axis CMC mills to be added to current machining capabilities and a new high temperature 12ft x 25ft autoclave installed adjacent to its current 10ft x 20ft 800°F autoclave in the high temperature PMC lay-up building.

 

Over the past five years, CHI has grown significantly with a current backlog in excess of $330M and is planning for added expansion in new CMC products as well as its traditional carbon fiber polyimide and carbon fiber Bismaleimide (BMI) parts for aero engines.

 

Currently, CHI parts can be found on military and commercial programs including the F-35, F-18, F-16, C-17, B787, B777, A-350, A-380, and Predator C. CHI parts will also be included on the A320neo, B737MAX, Global 7000/8000, and on Rolls-Royce’s new BR700NG business jet engine.