Cloud integration of Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform by NCC

The National Composites Centre (NCC) has taken a significant step forward in addressing sustainability challenges in the aviation sector by adopting a cloud-based platform approach. This shift is aimed at responding more quickly and with greater agility to the requirements of its industrial and manufacturing customers.

The NCC has been relying on Dassault Systèmes' solutions for over a decade, and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform will now be at the core of its research and innovation. This platform provides rapid access to a collaborative environment and AI-powered virtual twin experiences, enabling the NCC to explore and optimise composites solutions.

An estimated 50% of new aircraft are made of composites, and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers a valuable tool for the NCC in this regard. It allows for the rapid exploration of composites solutions, which are essential for creating better products with less waste that last longer.

The NCC's decision to embrace the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is part of a broader trend in industries using advanced materials like composites. For instance, Brookhouse Aerospace has invested over £500,000 in additional machinery to extend its engineering capabilities as part of its growth and investment strategy.

Meanwhile, in the aerospace manufacturing sector, there is a growing need for CNC machining tools to adapt to challenging materials. Gianmarco Pisati, technology sales manager at CNC machine tool specialist Jobs, emphasizes this need.

In another development, a consortium led by Honeywell has received UK government funding for a project aimed at revolutionizing aerospace technology manufacturing using AI and additive manufacturing.

Lockheed Martin will also be upgrading the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-16 Block 52 flight simulators to mirror the advanced capabilities of its modernised F-16 Viper (F-16V) aircraft.

Mark Summers, who holds a position at George Mason University and works with NASA's New Horizons team, is another figure contributing to the advancement of aerospace technology.

The NCC's extended use of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform also includes other innovation centres within the UK High Value Manufacturing Catapult network. Martin Burns, an aerospace specialist at Exactaform, recently discussed CFRP drilling and stack material solutions for the aerospace manufacturing sector, highlighting the importance of such advancements.

Syensqo's PRISM EP2400 epoxy resin system has also been FAA-sponsored NCAMP qualified in combination with Teijin Carbon's Tenax IMS65 E23 24K Non-Crimp Fabrics and woven unidirectional reinforcements, further underscoring the industry's commitment to innovation.

In conclusion, the adoption of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by the NCC marks a significant step in the aviation sector's pursuit of sustainability and innovation. The platform's capabilities, combined with the ongoing efforts of industry specialists, promise to revolutionize the way we design, manufacture, and use aircraft in the future.