A consortium formed in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, known as the Advanced Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center Tech Hub (AAMMC), is focusing on the development of thermoplastic composites for aircraft and spacecraft. Designated as one of 31 Tech Hubs based across the country by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, AAMMC is eligible to apply for a $72 million Phase 2 grant. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown sees the Tech Hub designation as a significant opportunity to boost the region’s economy and create high-paying jobs.
Thermoplastic composites, a newer fabrication process compared to traditional thermoset, offer increased recyclability and the ability to form larger structures by welding components together. Companies such as Boeing already use a mix of thermoset and thermoplastic materials in their aircraft. However, U.S. manufacturers are lagging behind European counterparts in the production of 100% thermoplastic materials on a large scale. The Spokane Tech Hub aims to address this technology gap by advancing thermoplastic composite manufacturing processes.
The consortium is composed of over 50 organizations, including composite suppliers, aerospace companies, academic institutions, and governmental institutions. Their goal is to move beyond smaller thermoplastic parts to manufacturing much larger components for the next generation of aircraft. The establishment of a 386,000-square-foot facility in Airway Heights, near Spokane International Airport, will serve as the hub’s headquarters for researchers and members to develop thermoplastic manufacturing.
Senator Maria Cantwell’s CHIPS and Science Act set aside $10 billion over five years to fund programs like the Tech Hubs, focused on boosting investment in technology central to U.S. economic and national security. The Spokane consortium was selected to advance to the Tech Hub program’s second phase, showcasing their potential to upgrade thermoplastic composite technology. If awarded federal funding, the center plans to purchase a 5,000-ton thermoplastics press to fabricate large aerospace components such as wing sections and door frames.
The AAMMC aims to be financially self-sufficient within three years of receiving funding, with significant contributions already pledged by industry partners and matching grants from Washington state. The center plans to accelerate the production rate of high-quality parts using robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Even without the Phase 2 grant, the Spokane Tech Hub remains committed to advancing thermoplastic composite technology and attracting investment from other sources to achieve its goals.
While the Tech Hub in Spokane has the potential to bring innovation and economic growth to the region, there is stiff competition from other Tech Hubs across the country that focus on areas such as nuclear energy, quantum computing, and biotechnology. The consortium remains determined to continue its efforts with or without federal funding to further advance thermoplastic composite technology. Industry support is crucial for the development of advanced materials, but government backing is equally essential to ensure a successful future in thermoplastics.
