Composite Networks
The NCC leads the coordination of the network of Centres of Excellence through coordination of technology transfer across regions. This work is undertaken in conjunction with the NCN who are part of the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network. The new network maximises the impact of support for rapid manufacturing technologies and cross-sectorial coverage, as well as strengthening the UK’s composites supply chain.
Apart from leading advanced composites in the UK, the NCC leads the co-ordination of a strengthened network of regional centres of composites excellence; these centres work together to support, develop and lead all composite capabilities in the UK. The NCC provides direction and focus for fundamental research and collaborative links with UK universities, which members are able to influence and direct. It also helps to develop and co-ordinate training to support the skills base necessary for applying advanced and specialist composite technologies. The centre influences research funding bodies and acts as a focal point for composite funding, as well as a proven collaborative vehicle, in which all sectors and companies will benefit from the cross fertilisation of capabilities.
Please follow links below to find out more about the UK Composite Centres of Excellence:
NWCC
The Northwest Composites Centre was established by the Universities of Bolton, Lancaster, Liverpool and Manchester to create a centre of international scientific reputation to the benefit of industry.
AMRC
The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing is a world-leading research centre dedicated to developing innovative technology solutions for advanced materials forming.
TWI
TWI is a global leader in technology engineering providing research and consultancy to its members.
GKN Aerospace
Composites Research Centre
NIACE
The Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE) in Belfast is a technology hub for the research and development of advanced engineering and advanced materials technologies across a range of industrial sectors.
NCCEF
The National Composite Certification and Evaluation Facility provides composite testing facilities for certification and validation.
Innovate UK
Innovate UK's official group for Composites of the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) Materials.
WCC
The Welsh Composites Centre (WCC) acts as a Knowledge Transfer Centre with contacts to a number of organisations with a wide range of expertise in the field of composites.
Composites UK
Composites UK is the representative body of the UK composites industry. Their aim is to promote the industry so that it may continue to grow and participate in the increasingly competitive world of global composite production. Their mission is to enhance and promote the safe and effective use of composites.
Composites Skills Alliance
The Composites Skills Alliance is a partnership between National Skills Academy for the Process Industries and Semta, the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies. It brings employers and training providers together to improve skills and training provision within the industry, helping employers to build workforces that will enable them to compete effectively in the emerging composites market.
The National Composites Network
The National Composites Network is a unique Knowledge Transfer Network jointly funded by government and industry that embraces the entire UK Composites industry and its supply chain.
EPSRC CIMC
The EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Composites.
The Network Group for Composites in Construction (NGCC)
The NGCC is a self-funding member group holding regular meetings to promote examples of best practice using composite materials in the construction sector. Active groups around specific topics include composite reinforcement and renovation of old and damaged structures, composite bridge designs, and innovations using composite materials for future sustainable buildings.
