“From our earliest discussions with Boeing, they stressed the need to see significant reductions in weight, cost and lead times in order to consider replacing traditional metallic and composite parts with a new technology for their space program,” said Lawrence Varholak, President of OPM Aerospace & Industrial. “We are proud to be developing and delivering OXFAB® technology to the highest standards.”
To facilitate production, OPM secured multiple rounds of funding from Hexcel, a leading supplier of advanced composites for commercial aerospace, space and defense and industrial applications. OPM Aerospace & Industrial also utilizes Hexcel carbon fiber in the production of OPM’S 3D printed OXFAB®–ESD advanced thermoplastic structural parts for its aerospace, satellite & defense programs. To date, Hexcel has invested $25 million in the Starliner project.
“Aerospace adoption of reinforced manufactured parts using Hexcel carbon fiber is becoming a viable and meaningful design solution due to its performance and processing advantages,” said Hexcel Chairman, CEO and President Nick Stanage. “With the adoption of these lightweight, high-performing materials expected to accelerate, this is an ideal opportunity for our two companies to work together enabling faster product development and adoption for our customers.”
