Technological watch

CVD Equipment Corp. (Central Islip, N.Y., U.S.), a provider of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, has received an order for a production chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) system valued at approximately $3.7 million. The system will be used to manufacture ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials for aerospace gas turbine engines.

CVD designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of CVD, gas control and other state-of-the-art equipment and process solutions used to develop and manufacture materials and coatings for industrial applications and research (e.g., advanced nanomaterials and carbon nanotubes and nanowires). This includes CVI and tow-coating systems for use in the aerospace industry. Although gas turbine engine production was greatly impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting decline in long haul travel, CVD Equipment notes that the aerospace industry is showing signs of recovery, although the company does not expect a recovery to pre-pandemic levels until later in 2023.

The increased demand for fuel-efficient/fuel-economy aircraft is driving development of next-generation engine platforms that are energy efficient with reduced weight and reduced operating emissions. Advanced materials such as CMC, enable increased fuel efficiency, along with higher strength and one-third the weight compared to conventional nickel-based superalloys.

“We are pleased to have been selected by this leading gas turbine engine manufacturer for this opportunity and order,” Emmanuel Lakios, president and CEO of CVD Equipment Corp., says. “The selection process was extensive, and it leverages our installed base and expertise in CVI system manufacturing. We believe CVD’s focus on growth markets including, aerospace, silicon-carbide high-power electronics and electric vehicle battery materials provides the path to sustained profitability and growth.”