Complex Composites
Aerospace & Defense
Rotorcraft
Space
New Applications
Since 1972, TIGHITCO has been a leader in the aerospace and defense industry. With a prime focus on advanced composites, TIGHITCO has developed a reputation as a key player in the industry. Our meticulous craftsmanship enables us to achieve the high quality that the aerospace industry demands. We provide full lifecycle support of our products from conceptual design development, to testing and first part qualification/certification.
Being fully integrated, and able to quickly move through analysis, tooling, and fabrication, we will make any project an easy transition from a build-to-print or open design to a quality part. We offer a full-service solution; maintaining the unique ability to incorporate our engineering expertise and manufacturing talent to rapidly produce new products for our defense and commercial customers.
Advanced Composites
By managing a “cell manufacturing” method similar to assembly line factories, TIGHITCO is able to realize very high-quality production efforts with a relatively small team of skilled technicians. Under the ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D QMS, TIGHITCO maintains extremely low loss rate after nearly five decades of manufacturing.
Advanced Composites
TIGHITCO has a long history of producing advanced composites. We can offer the following services, equipment, and facilities for our advanced composite customers:
- Layup Rooms: two isolated and fully climate-controlled rooms for composite layup
- Ovens: two high temperature (up to 650° F), 6ft. x 8ft. x 16ft. curing ovens
- Autoclaves: Access to three autoclaves for products that require high temperature plus high-pressure cure cycles
- Laser Projection System: Extremely precise composite ply positioning
- Non-destructive Inspection: testing via Thermographic cameras and Ultrasonic instruments
- Freezer: Large 0° F freezer for storage of sensitive composite materials
Composite Engineering Process
Certification Support
- Determine method of compliance
- Review applicable regulatory requirements
- Track internal audits to ensure process control
- Maintain a good working knowledge of regulations with an experienced quality and certifications managers on staff
Composite Part Design
- Parts created inside of CATIA. Tool Surface identified or created as required.
- Plies designed on the tool surface for laminates. For sandwich panels, multiple surfaces are defined to account for honeycomb core
- Materials and parameters are identified for each ply.
- Producibility is performed for each ply to determine splicing or darting locations
- Flattened patterns are created and used to create nests for optimal material usage
- Cross sectional views are created for ply drop off or ramps
- Ply tables are created from ply stack up defined in CATIA
- Laser programs developed from 3D geometry to project ply location on the layup tool
Manufacturing Planning
- Planning defines ply stacking sequences and requirements
- Vacuum bag construction defined
- Cure recipe and requirements defined in the job traveler
- Part Marking requirements defined in the job traveler
- Trim program and requirements defined in the job traveler
- All quality inspection points defined in the job traveler
- Assembly planning includes all detail parts required for fabrication, as well as any hardware and any special tools required.
- Reference documents are created that show how the assembly is put together.
- Job traveler details any other documentation required to complete assembly.
Benefits of Composites
Light Weight
Strong and stiff
Cost Efficient
Thermally Efficient
Environmentally Durable
Electromagnetic transparency
Centers of Excellence
Berlin, CT
Design, development and production of complex carbon composites for aircraft
Complex composites engineering and fabrication. Complex composites and assemblies, autoclave, bonded panels, captive phosphoric acid anodizing capabilities, sheet metal components and assemblies and light machining.
CERTIFICATIONS
NADCAP
ISO, AS9100 AND AS9110
Capabilities
- Engineering & Design:
- CATIA V5
- UG NX7.5
- MASTERCAM X4
- 3dVIA
- CPD
- FIBERSIM
- VERISURF
- ENOVIA LCA
- Composite Fabrication
- Hand Layup / Laser Ply Projection
- Major & Complex Composite Assemblies
- Automated Ply Cutting
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Heat Treating
- In-house Phosphoric Acid Anodizing
- Metal Bonding
- Laboratory Testing
- Autoclave Curing
- 7’-0” Diameter x 14’-0”
- 8’-6” Diameter x 20’-0”
- CNC 5-Axis Routing
- CNC 3-Axis Routing
- Prime and Paint
- Portable CMM Inspection
- Program Management
- Tool Design
- Tool Fabrication
- Honeycomb Core Fabrication
Charleston, SC
Advanced Composites Manufacturing and Assembly Center
Complex composites engineering and fabrication. Complex composites and assemblies, autoclave, bonded panels, and light machining.
CERTIFICATIONS
NADCAP
ISO, AS9100 AND AS9110
Capabilities
- Engineering & Design:
- CATIA V5
- UG NX7.5
- MASTERCAM X4
- 3dVIA
- CPD
- FIBERSIM
- VERISURF
- ENOVIA LCA
- Composite Fabrication
- Hand Layup / Laser Ply Projection
- Major & Complex Composite Assemblies
- Automated Ply Cutting
- Autoclave Curing
- 9‘ Diameter x 30’
- 12’ Diameter x 30’
- 3’ Diameter x 5’
- Ultrasonic Inspection (Dual Robot TT)
- Prime & Paint
- Program Management
