Composites End Markets
Explore market applications of composites including — but not limited to— aerospace, automotive, infrastructure, defense, marine, mass transit, consumer, wind/energy and urban air mobility. And, bookmark our composites market outlook.
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Horizon Aircraft provides update on technical flight testing
Positive progress during eVTOL prototype testing approaches full transition to forward flight, aids in final full-scale aircraft design for completion and testing in 2026.
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Lilium looks to France to establish high-volume eVTOL production
Lilium is keen to expand its industrial footprint through leveraging of France’s aerospace heritage and vast supplier base in aerospace and electrification, in preparation for the eVTOL aircraft market demand.
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GTL validates LH2 composite dewar tanks for use in aviation
Test results exceeded expectations regarding holding hard vacuum, heat load, rapid chill-down and hydrogen fraction goal, leading to flight prototype fabrication.
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Archer completes installation of high-volume battery pack manufacturing line
“Automotive-style” line has the capability of producing up to 15,000 battery packs — complete with composite enclosures and cylindrical cells — per year to keep up with eVTOL aircraft production goals.
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Luxfer Gas Cylinders awarded grant for 700-bar Type 4 tank development
Alberta Innovates initiative selected 20 applicants, including Luxfer, to advance hydrogen production, storage, transmission, distribution and use.
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NIAR adds flight test facility for eVTOL aircraft testing
In addition to providing a controlled environment for conducting restrained eVTOL aircraft operation, NIAR provides material development and other testing options.
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TPI, UMaine, ORNL to leverage world’s largest polymer 3D printer for wind turbine tooling
Ingersoll Masterprint LFAM printer will be used to produce and demonstrate 100% recyclable tooling that could cut large composite blade development cycles and tooling costs by as much as 50%.
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Blade2Circ project to facilitate sustainable next-gen wind blade designs
Coordinated by the Aitiip Technology Centre, the EU-funded project will design components to facilitate improved recyclabilty, exploring the performance of bio-based material options and novel degradation processes.
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NREL integrates robotics into wind turbine blade production
Research enables successful automation in post-molding manufacturing operations, which could lead to more competitive U.S.-based blade manufacturing.
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Composites end markets: Batteries and fuel cells (2024)
As the number of battery and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs) grows, so do the opportunities for composites in battery enclosures and components for fuel cells.
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GWEC 2024 report highlights positive momentum in wind installation
Global Wind Report describes a record year for wind energy in 2023, but highlights the need for policy-driven action to meet COP28 and 1.5°C pathway targets.
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Noble Gas awarded $500K for conformable, compressed gas storage tanks
DOE MAKE IT prize supports U.S.-based manufacturing of clean energy technology components for a diverse range of market applications.
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Second SPE ACCE 2024 keynote emphasizes carbon neutrality through autocomposites
Kristin von Szadkowski will be presenting sustainability research programs pursued by the Volkswagen Group to establish recycling and circular economy concepts in automotive production.
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Purdue, Wabash National collaborate on composite trailer that recaptures its own energy
An experimental trailer that harvests its own electricity from vibrations, heat and airflow is anticipated to make trailers worldwide more sustainable and energy-efficient.
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Cryomotive prepares CcH2 storage for demonstration on heavy-duty trucks
Cryogas system is based on carbon fiber towpreg wrapped Type 3 inner tank at 400 bar storing 38 kilograms of CcH2.
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Hyundai, Toray team up for composite materials development
Through the partnership, Hyundai Motor Group expects to support its long-term electrification strategy, enhance customer experiences and ensure vehicle safety.
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SPE ACCE welcomes students to submit poster competition abstracts
The ACCE provides students with a chance to present their work in composites to industry experts. Posters are due July 1, 2024.
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Verne receives Alberta Innovates award to demonstrate CcH2
Funded project will demonstrate the performance benefits of cryo-compressed hydrogen fuel for Class 8 trucking and other heavy-duty transportation sectors.
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Airbus finalizes Aerovel acquisition
Per the agreement, Aerovel’s Flexrotor, a vertical takeoff and landing UAS aircraft, will provide enhanced and expanded mission capability offerings to Airbus customers.
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Zotefoams to provide cellular foams to personal protection expert Design Blue Ltd.
Zotefoams’ closed cell, crosslinked, nylon-based foam included in high-performance impact protection solutions for defense and law enforcement.
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Construction begins on Boeing Australia MQ-28 production facility
The 9,000 square-meter Queensland facility will bring new aerospace skillsets and technologies, including composites manufacturing, robotics, testing and assembly capabilities.
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Janicki receives Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Award
Designer and builder of tools, parts, prototypes and assemblies earns recognition for supporting defense manufacturing and distribution goals.
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MARS Center grows LFAM capabilities with JuggerBot 3D Tradesman Series
P3-44 pellet-fed 3D printer is capable of leveraging a range of fiber-reinforced composite materials, to be used for the production of high-fidelity components in aerospace and defense.
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Defense manufacturer reflects on growth, opportunity in complex composite structures
Long Island-based, four-time CW Top Shops honoree GSE Dynamics cites diversification in processes, digitalization, workforce training and more on its successes over 50+ years, and looks ahead to future growth.
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Kineco Exel Composites India to supply carbon fiber planks for wind
Multi-year agreement between the joint venture and a South Asian wind turbine manufacturer contributes to composite spar cap development.
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Ocean Winds takes full ownership of SouthCoast Wind project
Madrid-based international company is focused on the joint procurement process for offshore wind in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
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Hengshen carbon fiber contributes to 143-meter-long MingYang wind blade
First MySE292 offshore wind blade from MingYang Group successfully rolled off the production line in February.
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Swancor, Siemens Gamesa solidify recyclable wind blade partnership
Swancor will supply all recyclable resin to Siemens by 2026, contributing to RecylableBlade efforts.
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Voith announces hydrogen storage cooperation with Weifu Hi-Tech
New deal with Chinese auto firm will develop and commercialize Type IV tanks for European, U.S. and Asian business markets.
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ECOHYDRO project to enable recyclable composites for hydrogen storage
With the involvement of two schools from the Institut Mines-Télécom, the 4-year project aims to improve the intrinsic properties of a composite material based on Elium via four concrete demonstrators.
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Composites end markets: Infrastructure and construction (2024)
Composites are increasingly used in applications like building facades, bridges, utility poles, wastewater treatment pipes, repair solutions and more.
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KU researchers explore FRP materials for dams, levee reinforcement
To address aging infrastructure, a team of researchers at KU is conducting research into repairing and retrofitting 700-plus dams, levees and related structures nationwide using FRP materials.
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CCG FRP panels rehabilitate historic Northamption Street Bridge
High-strength, composite molded, prefabricated panels solve weight problems for the heavily-trafficked bridge, providing cantilever sidewalks for wider shared use paths.
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Gatorbar, NEG, ExxonMobil join forces for composite rebar
ExxonMobil’s Materia Proxima polyolefin thermoset resin systems and glass fiber from NEG-US is used to produce GatorBar, an industry-leading, glass fiber-reinforced composite rebar (GFRP).
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Composites-reinforced concrete for sustainable data center construction
Metromont’s C-GRID-reinforced insulated precast concrete’s high strength, durability, light weight and ease of installation improve data center performance, construction time and sustainability.
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Novel composite technology replaces welded joints in tubular structures
The Tree Composites TC-joint replaces traditional welding in jacket foundations for offshore wind turbine generator applications, advancing the world’s quest for fast, sustainable energy deployment.
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AOC and partners achieve styrene-free composite RV roof
Indupol, Büfa and AOC brought their materials and fabrication know-how to yield a styrene-free gelcoat and RTM formulation for the manufacture of luxury vehicle roofs.
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Carbon Mobile carbon fiber powers handheld gaming platform
HyRECM technology effectively stabilizes carbon fiber’s electrical and antenna properties, enabling development of next-gen electronics, such as the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2.
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Swancor, Massload jointly develop 100% recycled bicycle bottle cage
A blend of recycled carbon fiber and PA6 pellets, the bicycle component will be commercialized in Q1 2024.
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Composites end markets: Electronics (2024)
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.
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Repurposing wind blades as functional community art pieces
Ohio-based Canvus Inc. upcycles fiberglass wind blades, car tires and post-consumer plastics to create outdoor furniture that amplifies sustainability messages in community spaces.
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Ekbacken Studios furniture incorporates Sulapac wood composites
High-end design furniture is 3D printed from bio-based, eco-friendly materials for aesthetic and sustainable home product options.
Read MoreLatest Aerospace Articles
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Airbus video highlights RACER compound helicopter first flight
Launched as part of a Clean Sky 2 program, a compound design — rotor, split fixed-wing, propulsive propellers — uses composites to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20%.
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NIAR receives $10 million NASA funding for high-temp advanced materials
Specialized research program will develop, mature and implement composites and other novel materials for use in hypersonic vehicles.
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Manuela Marangio heads Leonardo Aerostructures Division at Grottaglie facility
Female mechanical engineer is responsible for Leonardo Aerostructures’ entire production engineering plant, dedicated to several major aeronautic programs.
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FACC records more than 24% revenue growth in Q1 2024
Workforce expansion, new contracts and diversified portfolios, supply chain stabilization and footprint expansion may lead to €810-850 million revenue for the 2024 financial year.
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JCB Aero aircraft interior flooring panels incorporate SHD composites
High-performance carbon fiber prepreg using SHD’s FRVC411 epoxy resin system resulted in a durable, compliant design for the MRO market.
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New CMC turbine vanes successfully tested in wind tunnel
SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) inlet guide vanes for a high-pressure turbine are aimed for a geared turbofan and show promise for more efficient aeroengines with less weight and need for cooling.
Read MoreLatest Mass Transit Articles
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SABIC debuts EN45545 rail-compliant, fiber-reinforced compound
LNP Thermocomp AM DC0041XA51 offers the rail industry a solution that can be used for on-demand printing of large, complex exterior and interior parts in relatively small build numbers.
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Composite sidewall cover expands options for fire-safe rail components
R&D project by CG Rail explores use of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and recycled manufacturing scrap to meet fire safety, weight and volume targets.
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Longtime partner New Flyer selects Hexagon Purus to outfit hydrogen transit bus
Hexagon Purus will continue to supply Type IV hydrogen tanks for the Xcelsior Charge H2 fuel cell electric bus, the tanks of which will be produced out of Hexagon’s new Maryland facility.
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LIST opens innovation center focusing on sustainable composite materials
The Sustainable Composite Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (SCMM) will be supported by major players in rail, aerospace, automotive and space to transition sustainable composites research to commercialization.
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Hexagon Purus opens new U.S. facility to manufacture composite hydrogen tanks
CW attends the opening of Westminster, Maryland, site and shares the company’s history, vision and leading role in H2 storage systems.
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Kimya features Kimya PC-FR 3D filament for the transportation sector
Flame-retardant polycarbonate filament reaches EN45545 certification and meets REACH and RoHS standards for production of parts in railway, automotive, electronics.
Read MoreLatest Marine Articles
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11th Hour Racing sponsors IMOCA to advance competitive sailing diversity, sustainability
Additional support will be provided for IMOCA projects related to building with alternative material sources, a carbon fiber recycling pilot project, increasing opportunities for female sailors and more.
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Wing-in-ground trials to commence for composite AirX Airfish craft
ST Engineering and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are collaborating to advance single- and dual-engine AirFish 8 prototypes.
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Pro-Set named official materials supplier for New York Yacht Club American Magic
Competitive sailing team prepares for the 37th America’s Cup beginning in August 2024 with adhesives, resins and laminate testing services for its AC75 monohull construction.
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Australian R&D project harnesses wave energy for USV underwater rudders
The ACM CRC, with Ocius Technology and the University of New South Wales, collaborate to bring bio-inspired FRP “flippers” tailored to achieve optimal propulsion for all weather conditions.
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Advanced towpreg makes debut on IMOCA hydrofoil boat
JEC World 2024: Avel Robotics’ IMOCA hydrofoil, fresh off the water, is being highlighted at Toray Carbon Fiber Europe’s booth, showcasing a successful collaboration in using towpreg and AFP for efficient race boat development.
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European boatbuilders lead quest to build recyclable composite boats
Marine industry constituents are looking to take composite use one step further with the production of tough and recyclable recreational boats. Some are using new infusible thermoplastic resins.
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Sustainable Infrastructure Systems creates fiber-reinforced post-consumer plastic structural panels
Australian composites manufacturer offers a scalable building solution, already established in a pedestrian bridge application, to tackle unprocessed soft plastics waste.
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ACMA champions finalization of Utility Pole Product Category Rule
Utility Pole PCR represents a culmination of efforts to provide standardized information on environmental impacts associated with composite pole manufacturing and use.
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Fiberglass conduit manufacturer grows into new products, infrastructure applications
Texas-based Champion Fiberglass, a five-time CW Top Shops honoree, expands its success in the fiberglass composite conduit market into new applications and products, looking toward future automation and sustainability initiatives.
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Bio-based, fire-resistant composites become mainstream
Projects use Duplicor prepreg panels with highest Euroclass B fire performance without fire retardants for reduced weight, CO2 footprint in sustainable yet affordable roofs, high-rise façades and modular housing.
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GatorBar introduces sliver-free GFRP rebar
GatorBar Grip is a non-polyester rebar for concrete reinforcement with enhanced bond strength and now offered with zero slivers.
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Plant tour: BeSpline/Addcomp, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Composites automation specialist increases access to next-gen technologies, including novel AFP systems and unique 3D parts using adaptive molds.
Read MoreLatest Advanced Air Mobility Articles
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Lilium begins composite battery packs production for Lilium Jet
First units off the battery assembly line in Munich will be used for verification testing ahead of first piloted flight, targeted for end of 2024.
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EHang secures production certification from CAAC
With production, type and standard airworthiness certification under its belt the AAM company is cleared for mass production of the EH216-S.
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Archer successfully completes multiple battery pack drop tests for Midnight aircraft
Proprietary battery pack design integrated into a composite battery enclosure passed extreme impact scenario simulations, setting the stage for upcoming for-credit testing with the FAA.
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Stellantis increases strategic shareholding in Archer Aviation
Stellantis signals its continued confidence and partnership in the eVTOL company with the purchase of nearly 8.3 million shares.
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Joby acquires facility in Ohio, scales up eVTOL aircraft manufacture
Existing facility at Dayton International Airport will enable 500 eVTOLs per year, serving as Joby’s initial manufacturing footprint in the region.
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Airbus debuts CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL prototype
Unveiling coincided with the opening of the new CityAirbus test center in Donauwörth, Germany, ahead of the aircraft’s maiden flight later this year.
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Latest Markets News And Updates
Hexagon Purus reports all-time high quarterly revenue, up 67% over Q1 2023
Type 4 CFRP cylinder manufacturer continues ramp-up, with H2 infrastructure up 38% and H2 mobility up 213% year over year while momentum continues in aerospace applications.
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Hexagon Ragasco launches Linktra Smart cylinders in Norway
Fiberglass pressure vessels with IoT provide real-time insight into refilling needs for LPG consumers.
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Com&Sens presents workshop on fiber optic sensing for COPVs
Three-day hands-on workshop from June 11-13 in Leuven, Belgium, will equip participants with a better understanding of fiber optic sensing technology for digital manufacturing of composite tanks.
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Beta’s Alia eVTOL achieves piloted transition flight
Full transition from VTOL hover, to wing-borne cruise, and back to hover, prepares Beta for next steps in progressing its aircraft platforms.
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NPROXX powers up H2 tank production with move to Alsdorf facility
Tripled space and capacity to potentially grow composite tank production to 30,000+ tanks/year, equipment investments enable manufacturer to handle larger orders, streamline operations.
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Toyoda Gosei composite hydrogen tanks to be used on passenger ship
Multiple commercial truck-type high-pressure tanks have been extended to maritime applications.
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Featured Posts
Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)
The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.
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Forvia moves toward more sustainable automotive composites manufacturing
Automotive technology supplier Forvia shares sustainability goals and recent developments aimed at bio-based and recycled materials and ramping up hydrogen tank production for clean mobility.
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Update: THOR project for industrialized, recyclable thermoplastic composite tanks for hydrogen storage
A look into the tape/liner materials, LATW/recycling processes, design software and new equipment toward commercialization of Type 4.5 tanks.
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Infinite Composites: Type V tanks for space, hydrogen, automotive and more
After a decade of proving its linerless, weight-saving composite tanks with NASA and more than 30 aerospace companies, this CryoSphere pioneer is scaling for growth in commercial space and sustainable transportation on Earth.
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VIDEO: Sustainable pressure vessel systems for heavy-duty vehicles
Automotive and filament winding experts at Voith Composites showcased their Type IV hydrogen storage tanks at JEC 2023. These 350-liter pressure vessels, manufactured with recycled carbon fiber, are primarily designed for heavy-duty vehicles.
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Paris Air Show 2023 highlights
The Paris Air Show, one of the largest aerospace trade shows in the world, returned for the first time since 2019 and proved that the global aviation industry industry is very much alive and kicking.
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