Auburn Applied Research Institute to host Huntsville tech tour, showcase next-generation 3D carbon fiber composites printing

Luke Boyer, lead principal research engineer for the Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI), was pretty sure the institute’s latest acquisition would attract the right attention from the right folks in Huntsville. He was right. 

On March 11, AUARI will host the CF3D Tech Tour at Auburn’s Research and Innovation Campus, convening leaders from government, industry and academia for a focused discussion on advanced composite manufacturing and defense readiness.

The marquee attraction? The recently installed CF3D Enterprise Cell, a next-generation 3D carbon fiber composites printer developed by Idaho-based Continuous Composites set to define the future of the nation’s hypersonic programs, and the only system of its kind operating in Alabama.

The machine’s continuous fiber 3D printing capacity was expected to drive continuous interest in AUARI’s overall offerings as the premiere technical bridge between university led research and Huntsville’s defense innovation corridor. 

 “But the event is more geared toward being an engineering forum than a marketing opportunity,” Boyer said.

Sessions will focus on manufacturing maturity, capability readiness and transition risk — all topics central to national defense, all areas the CF3D’s cutting-edge capabilities can significantly impact.

“This technology gives us the ability to explore fiber steering, complex geometries and digitally driven composite fabrication in ways that directly support Department of War research and transition objectives,” Boyer said.

Participants will examine how automated continuous fiber placement and digital workflows can accelerate structural development cycles while maintaining the rigor required for aerospace and defense applications. Boyer said the discussion will address how emerging manufacturing technologies are evaluated, funded and integrated into operational environments.

Boyer’s own presentation — “Auburn Perspective: Building Capability in Huntsville” — will outline why Auburn invested in CF3D, how the system enhances research collaboration with defense partners and how the university is expanding advanced manufacturing infrastructure in support of regional and national priorities.

“The tour gives us an opportunity to demonstrate, not just describe, what the printer can do,” he said. “It allows Auburn to showcase the infrastructure we have built here in Huntsville and to highlight how university-led research can align with mission driven manufacturing needs.”

Additional information on the CF3D Tech Tour can be found here: https://continuouscomposites.com/cf3d-tech-tour/