Composites Technology - August 2006

Feature Image

Automation In The Cast Polymer Industry

Material and labor savings result when manufacturers automate cultured stone and solid surface processes.

While sports car parts, yacht hulls and bridge decks often grab the composites industry spotlight, fabrication of cast polymer bath and kitchen fixtures is a vital and lucrative segment of the composites industry. For at least 50 years, kitchen and bath manufacturers have been combining polyester resin (and more recently, acrylic resin) with mineral fillers — originally ground marble, now a variety of fillers, additives, pigments and performance enhancers — to create smooth, glossy products available in myriad colors and patterns. Thousands of mostly small shops turn out vanity tops, bathtubs, shower stalls, kitchen countertops and other components for the new home and remodeling markets each year, to the tune of nearly $1 billion (USD) total. Read More ...

Features

Composites & Polycon 2006 Preview
ACMA's and ICPA's annual conventions converge in St. Louis.

Composites 2006 Exhibitor List
Composites 2006 Exhibitor List

Polycon Pavilion Highlights Cast Polymer Market
The combined COMPOSITES POLYCON 2006 show welcomes cultured stone and solid surface manufacturers to the ACMA fold.

Composites & Polycon 2006 Product & Service Directory
Composites & Polycon 2006 Product & Service Directory

Cutting Infusion Time And Cost
When open molders turn to infusion, careful planning, material selection and training precede process efficiency.

Basalt Fibers: Alternative To Glass?
High-temperature performance and superior strength properties may make this late-comer a better choice in some applications.

Rudder Gets New Twist With Composites
The U.S. Navy's specially contoured ship rudder commands composite construction.


About the Cover

EnkaFusion Type CX-1000 flow medium is designed to replace traditional plastic spiral wrap as the major resin feed line in resin infusion processes. Flow media resist compression, permitting resin to flow through internal channels and out into surrounding reinforcements through their permeable walls.