NCC | Composites and Engineering | National Composites Centre

About the NCC

The National Composites Centre (NCC) is an independent, open-access technology centre delivering world-class research and development of composites. As part of the UK’s Catapult Network, we offer our partners access to the latest technology, provide technical expertise and the business support they need to overcome barriers to innovation and accelerate their growth.

What we do

Aerospace

Defence & Space

Energy

Surface Transport

Construction & Infrastructure

Supporting SMEs across sectors

Latest news

News

Farnborough International Airshow 2024

22 Jul 2024

The National Composites Centre is at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. Together with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and its Centres, come find us at the Aerospace Technology Institute Stand 3501. We're showcasing innovations in design, advanced materials, manufacturing, and sustainability that underpins our focus on net zero and green aerospace.

Catch up with the NCC Aerospace team at FIA 2024. To book an appointment with us at the event, email [email protected] or select 'Talk to the team' below, and complete the form.
Space West - June Newsletter

28 Jun 2024

Welcome to the June edition of our Space West Newsletter. With each newsletter, we aim to share the most recent discoveries, advancements, and stories from the world of Space in the South West.
Business West: Recognising the Engineers of the Bristol Initiative for International Women in Engineering Day

24 Jun 2024

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day 2024, Business West featured some members of the Bristol Initiative to share their stories and experiences, including Hannah Swinbourne, Research Engineer and Co-lead of the Women’s Led Network at the National Composites Centre. Read more.
National Composites Centre and the Tank Storage Association call for action to meet hydrogen targets in new workforce foresighting report

17 Jun 2024

Urgent action is needed in order for the UK to meet the government's target to increase hydrogen production, according to a new Workforce Foresighting Hub report.
Plymouth Science Park and National Composites Centre forge strategic partnership to boost South West innovation

11 Jun 2024

Plymouth Science Park and the NCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bolster industry-led collaborative research & development, drive innovation adoption and skills development, enhancing the South West region's position as a leader in emergent technologies.

Events

Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
Read more about International Composites Summit 2024

International Composites Summit 2024

04 - 05 Sep 2024

Matt Scott, Chief Engineer for Capability and Vicky Summers, Principal Research Engineer for Sustainability will be presenting at the International Composites Summit (ICS). The event is considered the single place to do the most cost effective and sustainable composites business in the UK, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from across the composites sector.
Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
Read more about Fibre Polymer Composites in Construction (FPCC)

Fibre Polymer Composites in Construction (FPCC)

05 Sep 2024

Kaloyana Kostova, Engineering Capability Lead for Structural Engineering and Callum Branfoot, Research Engineer for Engineering Operations in Verification will present ‘Appropriate Testing Approach for Durability of FRP rebar in AACM concrete’ at the Fibre Polymer Composites in Construction 2024 (FPPC). They will share findings from their collaboration with the University of Bath, and be available throughout the conference to discuss your next innovation needs.
Brussels, Belgium
Read more about Materials for Energy Expo 2024

Materials for Energy Expo 2024

11 - 12 Sep 2024

The trade fair focuses on how materials can facilitate transition in the energy sector, with cutting-edge technologies, materials, and solutions for the extraction, generation, storage and transmission of energy. NCC experts will be available throughout the event to share insights into transformative energy developments and discuss net zero solutions.

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Training

Read more about Introduction to Design for Composites

Introduction to Design for Composites

This course will give you an understanding of the requirements that are important to consider in the composites world, along with a series of tools and techniques that will enable you to create robust concept designs for every new project you undertake.
Read more about Introduction to Composite Materials

Introduction to Composite Materials

In this foundation level course we'll introduce you to the terminology, the materials, their properties & the production processes used in the composites industry.
Read more about Introduction to Manual Prepreg Techniques

Introduction to Manual Prepreg Techniques

During this course we'll give you the background knowledge you need to optimise your use of prepreg materials in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. We'll also teach you the techniques used by technicians and you'll have the opportunity to practice what you've learnt.