Advanced Defense Aerostructure Manufacturing: Globe Machine Attending LCID & WDI 2026

The landscape of defense aerostructure manufacturing is shifting rapidly. The Air Force is prioritizing rapid force modernization to address emerging threats. Next-generation tactical components demand cutting-edge manufacturing processes. These processes must balance extreme physical performance with critical mass savings and tight supply chain timelines.

To support these critical initiatives, Globe Machine Manufacturing Company is heading to Dayton, Ohio. We will attend the co-located LCID and WDI events from July 27 – July 31, 2026. The event takes place at the Dayton Convention Center.

For over a century, Globe has stood as a trusted factory automation provider. At these events, we will showcase our advanced composites manufacturing equipment and custom automation. Let’s discuss how Globe can help you overcome bottlenecks, reduce downtime, and achieve mission-critical precision.

Driving Efficiency in Defense Aerostructure Manufacturing

Traditional autoclave processing is often a massive bottleneck in the defense supply chain. Our patented, production-proven RapidClave® system is specifically engineered to eliminate these operational delays.

By implementing evolutionary tooling, sophisticated thermal management systems, and application-specific configurations, the RapidClave® system emulates and improves upon traditional autoclave process conditions. The primary differentiator for your facility is significantly faster heating and cooling rates.

While our technology originally evolved in mid-volume automotive part production, we have optimized these systems to handle the lower volumes and high part-SKU counts unique to modern defense aerostructure manufacturing. Whether you are working with complex geometries or next-generation continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRT) tape layouts, we provide the engineering depth required to scale up your capabilities safely and efficiently.

Experience Live Demos at the UDRI Composite Technology Center

We aren’t just talking about innovation in Dayton, we are actively showcasing it right down the road.

Through our close partnership with the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), located right on the university campus, Globe has installed an operational RapidClave® system at the UDRI Composite Technology Center (CTC).

During the week of LCID & WDI 2026, we are inviting defense structural engineers and procurement officers to escape the crowded exhibition floors for confidential, private manufacturing demonstrations. At the CTC, you can see our proprietary systems in action, featuring:

• Direct tool heating and cooling integration

• Advanced bag-side composite heating/cooling options

• Vacuum, thermocouple/RTD tracking systems

• Automated tool and material handling

Confidential Application Development: The CTC offers a secure, operationally supported setting where defense contractors can test specific materials, custom low-cost/high-performance tooling, and unique part profiles with direct engineering support from both Globe and UDRI.

Mission-Ready Factory Automation & Robotics

Beyond composites, modernizing the defense industrial base requires ruggedized, smart automation. Globe engineers, manufactures, and integrates custom factory automation solutions to support core composite and heavy industrial workflows.

As a certified FANUC robotics integrator, we combine advanced robotic arms with tailored end-effectors to handle the tasks that bottleneck your skilled workforce. Let’s sit down during the event to brainstorm mechanized or automated solutions tailored to your specific plant requirements:

• Filament Winding & Hand Layup: Automating precision placement to improve operational safety and consistency.

• Machine Tending: Deploying automated systems to handle mundane part loading/unloading for CNC mills, lathes, forges, and high-pressure presses.

• Precision Welding: Harnessing advanced automation combined with industry-leading Miller welders for superior weld quality and reduced labor costs.

Secure Your Private Demo Slot in Dayton

Because our RapidClave® system is located right on the university campus in Dayton, demo availability during the week of July 27–31 is highly limited, and slots fill up quickly.

If you are attending LCID or WDI 2026 and want to explore how Globe can help your facility achieve greater throughput, optimized equipment performance, and reduced downtime, let’s connect.

To book a private, confidential consultation at the UDRI Composite Technology Center: Contact Jim Martin at jimm@globemachine.com or stop by our booth, #140, and transform your composite workflow.