Ceramics Manufacturing Center (CerMaC)
Pioneering Advanced Ceramics for Extreme Environments.
Currently under development, CerMaC will be fully operational in early 2028. Initial phases of CerMaC focus on novel development in C/C and reactive melt infiltrated CMC’s.
NEW ADVANCED TESTING FACILTY
A National Resource for Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing
The Ceramics Manufacturing Center (CerMaC) is a premier capability dedicated to the development of novel ceramics and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for high-temperature and ultra-high-temperature applications.
Designed to accelerate production timelines and lower domestic manufacturing costs, CerMaC ensures the United States maintains its competitive edge in advanced defense technologies.
Next-Generation Materials Development
Engineering for the Extreme
As part of LIFT’s mission to accelerate the development of advanced materials and manufacturing processes to enhance America’s security and economic competitiveness, CerMaC focuses on pushing the boundaries of material performance.
The center is uniquely positioned to address the critical needs of the Department of War by innovating materials that can withstand the most severe operational conditions.
Photo: Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material developed for high-temperature hypersonic hot-structure applications.
Source: NASA TechPort, SBIR/STTR Project 17950
High Enthalpy Environments
Temperature
Applications
MAKING AN IMPACT
CerMaC, a Strategic Advantage to Reduce Risk
CerMaC will provide industry partners with access to specialized equipment, technical expertise, and development environments that may be difficult or cost-prohibitive to establish independently.
Manufacturers, material suppliers, technology developers, and defense contractors will be able to use the center to advance ceramic technologies from early-stage concepts toward scalable, repeatable production.
Accelerated Production
Simulate real-world hypersonic environments in laboratory settings
Domestic Manufacturing
Ensuring critical components are sourced, designed, and manufactured entirely within the United States.
Cost Reduction
Leveraging innovative manufacturing processes and materials solutions to significantly lower the domestic cost of advanced ceramic matrix composites.
Rebuilding & Deterrence
Actively rebuilding our military capabilities and reestablishing global deterrence through technological supremacy in extreme environment materials.
FEATURED ARTICLE
The Multifaceted Role of Ceramic Matrix Composites
John Keogh, Vice President, Technology, LIFT examines the ceramic innovations driving hypersonic defense.
“LIFT Ceramics Manufacturing Center (CerMaC), a pioneering move toward revolutionizing the development and evaluation of ceramic and CMC materials and systems.”
LIFT launched CerMaC, a critical materials development program designed to strengthen domestic sourcing, processing, and recycling.
This initiative is designed specifically to address ceramics challenges by pursuing technology advancements to scale initiatives, such as solid-state ceramic batteries, as well as to onshore and scale technologies associated with carbon fiber, a critical pre-cursor material for defense-related protection systems often comprised of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) that are in severely limited supply within the United States.
Connect with LIFT
Organizations interested in using CerMaC are encouraged to begin identifying potential projects, material challenges, production needs, and partnership opportunities ahead of the center’s planned early 2028 launch.
Early discussions can help LIFT understand industry demand, prioritize capabilities, and identify opportunities for collaborative development.
- Discuss a potential project.
- Connect with LIFT to discuss a ceramic material, component, manufacturing process, or scale-up challenge.
- Become an industry partner, join LIFT membership network.
- Explore opportunities to contribute expertise, equipment, materials, funding, or production capabilities.