Home
About Us Engineering Solutions Research and Development Products and Services News and Events Careers
Research & Development
Advanced Materials
Robotics
Electromagnetics & Electric Machines
Thermal Systems
Structures & Analysis
Embedded Software
Diagnostics & Prognostics
Magnetic Bearings
Foil Bearings
Sensors
Biomedical
Z-Direction Tape Reinforcement for Composite Laminates

Because they are strong and light, composites are popular alternatives to metal in aircraft, but their downside is that they can delaminate due to stress or extended use. With support from the US Navy and US Air Force, Foster-Miller invented Z-Fiber®, a product that increases delamination resistance fivefold and makes parts 50 to 100 percent stronger.

Z-Fiber® is in use on F-18E/Fs as a replacement for a portion of metal fasteners and is saving 60 lb/aircraft.  It is expected to save more than $100 to $200 million in production costs over the life of the program. It is being evaluated by Boeing, Lockheed, Bell, GE, Northrop-Grumman, British Aerospace, Dassault and the German Airbus Group, among others, for incorporation in major aerospace components.

 

Return to Biomedical

Printable Version

Project Examples

Blood Pump Monitoring and Diagnostics
More >

Blood Pumps
More >

Bone Marrow Harvesting Device
More >

Braided Biodegradable Fibers for Artificial Heart Valves
More >

Combat Casualty Care
More >

Microribbon Cables for Neuroprosthetic Devices
More >

Nanofibrous Membranes
More >

Neurotrophic Electrode Arrays
More >

Orthopaedic Bone Growth Device
More >

Packaging for Implantable Electronics
More >

Physiological Monitoring
More >

Pulsatile Pumps for Total Heart Replacement and Ventricular Assist
More >

Responsive Gels for Improved Patient Support
More >

Rotary Pumps for Permanent Assist, Cardiac Assist, and Minimally Invasive Surgery
More >

Tools for Minimally Invasive Surgery
More >

Wear and Forget Sensors for Health Monitoring
More >



See all related Project Examples for...
Research & Development

Literature on this subject
Contact Us | Site Map    AS9100 Certified Company
Foster-Miller, Inc. - QinetiQ North America | 350 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451