Accelerated composite manufacturing using CRTM and 3D-printed thermoset tooling

Polynt Composites, in strategic collaboration with Mississippi State University (MSU), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and TruDesign, has demonstrated the efficacy of integrating Additive Manufacturing (AM) with Compression Resin Transfer Molding (CRTM) for the streamlined fabrication of aerospace components. This initiative aligns with the aerospace sector’s broader objective to accelerate production timelines and reduce manufacturing costs through Out-of-Autoclave (OoA) processing technologies.

The industry has already adopted AM for tooling applications in select part production. This project advances that paradigm by validating the synergistic benefits of combining thermoset-based 3D printing media to create CRTM tooling. The integrated approach yielded measurable improvements in raw material utilization, lead time reduction, and cycle efficiency. Notably, the collaboration achieved substantial cost savings in both tooling and part fabrication, positioning this hybrid process as a transformative enabler for innovation across defense and transportation manufacturing ecosystems.