A400M wing assembly: Challenge of integrating composites
The Atlas military transport’s decade of development has lighted the path for Airbus wing development on the A350 and future programs.

AFP/laser projection integration a first
Operators reportedly can use a single interface to seamlessly monitor and control both the AFP machine and the laser projection system.

Composites automation: Trending smaller and robotic
Although AFP and automated tape laying (ATL) lamination technologies are widely used in the aircraft industry, market conditions in the past few years are driving some changes in composites equipment supplier product lines. Consultant Carroll Grant explains why.

Fiber placement programming software introduced to European market
CGTech reported on Jan. 18 that it will introduce to the European market its VERICUT Composites Paths for Engineers (VCPe) at the 2012 JEC Composites show.

A350 XWB update: Smart manufacturing
Spirit AeroSystems actualizes Airbus’ intelligent design for the A350’s center fuselage and front wing spar in Kinston, N.C.

Status update on composites automation
Consultant Carroll Grant reviews progress made in recent years toward greater variety in automated composites processing machine sizes configurations and capabilities.

Out-of-autoclave prepregs: Hype or revolution?
Oven-cured, vacuum-bagged prepregs show promise in production primary structures.

Spirit AeroSystems opens Kinston composite aerostructures plant
The 500,000-ft² facility in Kinston, N.C., will use composites to manufacture the 65-ft center fuselage section for the Airbus A350 XWB, as well as the 105-ft front wing spar.

SAMPE 2010 Seattle Showcase
SAMPE’s first-ever foray into Boeing Country wrapped up with the M&P organization’s biggest draw this decade.

Corrections: July 2009 HPC
Two corrections of information published in May 2009 HPC.

AFP/ATL design-to-manufacture: Bridging the gap
Managing production of a structure made via fiber or tape placement often requires software-aided  manipulation of the subtle differences between that which is designed and that which can be manufactured.

Show reports: SAMPE Tech, SME Tooling for Composites and Composites Europe
HPC was on the road — a lot — during the last two months, attending a number of conferences and exhibitions including its own CompositesWorld Expo held in Schaumburg, Ill. on Sept. 2-5 (see HPC’s extensive Expo coverage in the Learn More box at right).

ATL and AFP: Signs of evolution in machine process control
Improved machine-control software, placement accuracy and design simulation have made automated fiber placement and tape laying machines truly production-worthy. The evolution, however, still continues.

ATL and AFP: Defining the megatrends in composite aerostructures
Automated tape laying and automated fiber placement technologies take a key enabling role in production of today’s — and tomorrow’s — composite-airframed commercial jets.

Aviation Outlook: Fuel pricing ignites demand for composites in commercial transports
A confluence of aircraft OEM technical innovation and economic pressures on their airline customers creates increasingly favorable market conditions for aerospace composites.