The Composites Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) helps companies solve real-world challenges in fiber-reinforced plastics. We work with manufacturers, engineers, and product developers to test materials, improve processes, and support the development of new products. Whether you’re troubleshooting a production issue, validating performance, or moving from concept to prototype, CERL provides practical, hands-on expertise to help you move forward.
What we do
CERL offers a range of services to support the full lifecycle of composite products:
- Material testing and analysis to better understand performance and reliability
- Process and product development to improve efficiency and outcomes
- Prototype manufacturing to move ideas into physical form
- Workforce training and education to build skills and industry knowledge
Our work is focused on delivering clear, actionable results when timelines matter.
Who we serve
CERL supports a wide range of composites industries across Maine, New England, and beyond, including:
- Marine and offshore
- Wind and alternative energy
- Aerospace and avionics
- Microelectronics
- Consumer and construction goods
Our approach
Our work is grounded in applied engineering and collaboration. We partner with clients to understand their challenges, identify practical solutions, and deliver results that can be implemented in real-world manufacturing environments.
We prioritize responsiveness, clarity, and technical rigor so our partners can make informed decisions with confidence.
Our history
CERL was established in 2011 as the primary testing facility for the Maine Composites Alliance, supporting a regional network of composites companies.
In 2022, CERL became part of the University of Southern Maine, strengthening its connection to research, education, and industry partnerships. While CERL’s capabilities are available for academic research, our primary focus remains on providing responsive, real-world support to composites companies in Maine, New England, and across the United States.
Our mission
CERL’s goal is to provide the broad spectrum of New England composites industries with:
- applied engineering expertise for manufacturing, process/product development, and optimization
- complete, advanced analytical services
- focused educational training
- prototype manufacturing
to facilitate the needs of our composite industries as they strive to compete in the global marketplace.