Fada-Catec

Services

The Materials & Processes division features a wide variety of technologies for non-destructive testing and failure analysis of aircraft components such ultrasonic phased array, infrared thermography and laser shearography. Additionally, high detail 3D characterization can be also performed by means of X-ray computed tomography.

A second research line comprises the development and design of aerospace components for additive manufacturing, including topology optimization for metal and polymer base fabrication technologies (SLM, SLS, FDM, …).

Furthermore, the division have a great potential for mechanical testing of components and structures, involving static and fatigue tests up to 4,000 KN, impact testing, modal analysis, digital image correlation for recording strains and 3D displacements, as well as altitude and HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) environmental chambers.

The division of Materials & Processes is currently involved in several aerospace projects within the national and international community, in conjunction with customers like AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE (Centro Bahía de Cádiz, Puerto de Santa María; San Pablo Factory, Sevilla; Tablada Factory, Sevilla; Central Headquarters in Barajas, Madrid), AIRBUS HELICOPTER, TECNATOM, CT-INGENIEROS, ESA (European Space Agency), ALESTIS AEROSPACE, AERNNOVA, APPLUS, CESA, etc., and from other industrial sectors like GAMESA, TORSA y BSH.

CATEC has a large experience developing UAS/RPAS technologies. Avionics and Systems Division consists of more than 20 engineers and technicians developing new technologies to be transferred to companies. Several success stories have been achieved during last five years.

Avionics and Systems Division has also a wide experience working on European projects (FP7, H2020 SESAR and CleanSky), having participating in 15 European projects since 2008 (coordinating 3 of them).

Avionics and Systems Division has two main strategic lines: Unmanned Aerial Systems, and the development of new ICT technologies to improve efficiency of aeronautical manufacturing processes.

Description

CATEC (Advanced Center for Aerospace Technologies) is a technological center that develops its activity based on three strategic lines:

• Materials and Processes
• Avionics and Systems
• Automation and Robotics

CATEC is a development tool that bases its work on technical excellence and responsiveness to its customers and intends to become, in the coming years, one of the R & D centers of national and international reference for the development of aerospace technology.

CATEC has a staff of more than 60 researchers as well as specialized technical personnel, most of them being engineers and engineers from the Industrial, Aeronautical, Telecommunications, Materials, Computer or Chemical fields, and there are also some graduates in other technical careers.

Certifications

• ISO 9001
• EN 9100
• ISO 14001
• UNE 166002
• ISO 45001