CERL’s manufacturing capabilities support the full lifecycle of composite product development from early-stage prototyping through process refinement and small-scale production. Using a combination of advanced equipment and hands-on expertise, we help clients fabricate components, test manufacturing approaches, and evaluate how materials and processes perform in practice. The capabilities outlined below represent the tools and techniques available to support this work.

CERL-designed “Mobile Infusion Technology System”

  • Transparent glass infusion surface allows for simultaneous viewing of top and bottom flow fronts during infusion.
  • ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) Coating allows for controllable heating up to 80°C (±3°C)
  • CERL’s 14-page VIP Standard Operating Procedure produces near-zero defect panels for both thermal and mechanical analysis sample generation
  • Common Reinforcements:
    • E-glass
    • Carbon Fiber
    • Kevlar
    • Natural Fibers
  • Common Resin Matrices:
    • Polyester
    • Vinyl Ester
    • Epoxy
    • Phenolic
    • Acrylic
    • DCPD

Manual and CNC machining capabilities

  • Capable of machining samples to any dimensions required by ASTM testing specifications.
  • Custom composites mold manufacturing
  • Foam, Wood, Plastic, Composites, Aluminum, Steel

3-D printing capabilities

  • Bambu Labs X1Carbon with AMS
  • Creality Ender 3V3
  • Creality CR-10
  • Access to Formlabs Resin Printing
  • Access to high-resolution 3-D scanners

CERL can provide short-cycle prototyping of development products for fit checks or design analysis.

Filabot EX2 Filament Extrusion and Reclamation

  • Failed print recycling and filament extrusion system
    • Grinder/Shredder
    • Air Path
    • Spooler
    • Pelletizer
  • Screw-driven extruder allows for the blending of different material pellets during extrusion, allowing for the formulation of novel polymer alloys

ReDe Tech Protocycler V3

Advanced filament extrusion machine with multiple sensors for autonomously controlling extrusion speed and filament diameter

  • Smaller batch size compared to the EX2
  • Customizable profiles for different materials
  • Single-material extrusion

APSX-PIM Benchtop Injection Molding Machine

With a maximum injection volume of 30 cm3, the APSX-PIM is perfect for small-scale prototyping, or even commercial product manufacturing, with a typical cycle time of 50 – 120 seconds (depending on material).

  • Compatible materials include: Polycarbonate (PC), Acetal (Delrin), ABS, PC/ABS, Nylon (PA), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
  • Maximum Processing Temperature: 330°C [626°F]
  • Maximum Clamping Force: 5 tonnes [11,023 lbs]
  • Maximum Injection Pressure: 345 Bar [5,000 psi]
  • CERL manufactured aluminum molds for ASTM tensile and flexural dimensions for charactering material performance.

Additional manufacturing capabilities

CERL is partnered with the Maker Innovation Studio (MIST) and John Mitchell Center (JMC) here at the University, providing access to a number of additional manufacturing techniques to help meet our customers’ needs:

  • Glowforge laser cutting
  • Modix large format 3D printing – 600mm x 1,200mm x 640mm build volume
  • Roland UV printing
  • Digital embroidery
  • Artec Space Spyder high-resolution 3-D scanning
  • Full woodworking shop
  • Full metalworking shop
  • Welding and plasma cutting