Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) is a major boost to UK manufacturing research and development.
Located in the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, COMPASS builds on the AMRC’s world-leading expertise to provide a pioneering, open-access innovation facility, designed to de-risk and accelerate the development and manufacture of large-scale, high-rate composite parts.
By seamlessly integrating advanced composites and digital technologies, COMPASS aims to help UK industries to adopt more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
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Designed to meet the demand for high-accuracy, large closed-mold structures, the research facility offers a range of customisable technologies for varied parts and component geometries, including:
- Material cutting
- Precision robotic assembly
- In-process inspection
- Advanced tooling concepts
- Resin infusion
- Post-cure treatment
- Robotic machining
The research facility emphasises automated component handling and smart factory integration through digital twin, validation and process optimisation to ensure improved rate, scale and accuracy – while supporting reconfigurability and ease of upgrades through robotic transfer.
The open-access research facility is open to businesses of all sizes across various sectors looking to de-risk large-scale manufacturing technologies and processes, using AMRC’s cutting-edge expertise and capabilities.
The investment includes a £29.5m grant from the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme for the latest, state-of-the-art equipment for the broader benefit of aerospace and other industries; and £20m for the facility backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council, University of Sheffield and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
