Boeing opens advanced manufacturing research center in South Carolina

On September 24th, Boeing opened its research and technology center in South Carolina, which is devoted to current and next-generation technology development. Boeing leaders joined local dignitaries and employees for a ribbon cutting and tours of the 104,000-ft² Boeing Research & Technology-South Carolina center, which leads the company’s research and development efforts in areas of advanced manufacturing with a focus on composite fuselage and propulsion systems production. The center broke ground in early 2014. The state-of-the-art center includes lab spaces where scientists and engineers research and develop technologies in advanced production systems; nondestructive evaluation and inspection; production analytics and advanced test systems; structural repair technologies; electromagnetic effects; chemical technology; and composite fabrication and materials. The center also includes two autoclaves, which are used to cure parts made from composite materials; a paint booth with automation capabilities; and a clean room to combine composite layers together. “This new research center will help us better meet the needs of our customers by enhancing our ability to provide effective, relevant technology in today’s competitive marketplace as we enter our second century of business,” said John Tracy, Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice president of Engineering, Operations & Technology.