Composites Basics
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.
Read MoreCelebrating 30 years of CompositesWorld, Part 1
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.
Read MoreThe basics of composite drawing interpretation
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.
Read MorePEEK vs. PEKK vs. PAEK and continuous compression molding
Suppliers of thermoplastics and carbon fiber chime in regarding PEEK vs. PEKK, and now PAEK, as well as in-situ consolidation — the supply chain for thermoplastic tape composites continues to evolve.
Read MorePultrusion: The basics
A primer describing what pultrusion is, its advantages and disadvantages, and typical applications.
Read MoreProper application of semi-permanent mold release systems
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.
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Composites end markets: Aerospace (2023)
With COVID in the past and passengers flying again, commercial aircraft production is ramping up. The aerocomposites supply chain is busy developing new M&P for an approaching next-generation aircraft program.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Automotive (2023)
Electrification and a focus on sustainability lead to opportunities and innovations in composites, from battery enclosures to structural components and more.
Read MoreThe state of recycled carbon fiber
As the need for carbon fiber rises, can recycling fill the gap?
Read MoreMaterials & Processes: Tooling for composites
Composite parts are formed in molds, also known as tools. Tools can be made from virtually any material. The material type, shape and complexity depend upon the part and length of production run. Here's a short summary of the issues involved in electing and making tools.
Read MoreMaterials & Processes: Fibers for composites
The structural properties of composite materials are derived primarily from the fiber reinforcement. Fiber types, their manufacture, their uses and the end-market applications in which they find most use are described.
Read MoreComposite rebar for future infrastructure
GFRP eliminates risk of corrosion and increases durability fourfold for reinforced concrete that meets future demands as traffic, urbanization and extreme weather increase.
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Materials & Processes: Composites fibers and resins
Compared to legacy materials like steel, aluminum, iron and titanium, composites are still coming of age, and only just now are being better understood by design and manufacturing engineers. However, composites’ physical properties — combined with unbeatable light weight — make them undeniably attractive.
Read MoreMaterials & Processes: Resin matrices for composites
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here’s a guide to selection.
Read MoreThe making of carbon fiber
A look at the process by which precursor becomes carbon fiber through a careful (and mostly proprietary) manipulation of temperature and tension.
Read MoreMaterials & Processes: Fabrication methods
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
Read MoreTop 10 Considerations When Buying a CNC Machine for Composites
For a CNC machine to continue to meet or exceed a company’s needs, it must be built and spec’d with these needs in mind.
Read MoreHow to validate 3D-printed composite part performance
Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) workflow simulates composite material performance to speed development, optimize performance and reduce costs for a redesigned 3D-printed CFRP bracket.
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Composites end markets: Industrial (2022)
Composites often must meet a certain aesthetic in applications where the consumer is the end user. But fiber-reinforced materials are just as valuable in industrial applications where corrosion resistance, high strength and durability are the performance key.
Read MoreHow ultrasonic testing can find flaws in composite materials
As composite applications expand, so does the demand for more capable inspection systems. Ultrasound has proven to be effective when it comes to in-depth, sophisticated testing.
Read MoreThe importance of resin selection
Explore how resins can affect a composite’s properties and why we should consider resin choice with the same significance as fiber.
Read MoreThermoplastic composites at Oribi Composites: CW Trending, episode 4
Oribi Composites’ Matt Christensen discusses the origin of the Colorado-based thermoplastic composites fabricator, his role at the company, current products and programs, and the real potential for use of thermoplastic composites in wheels.
Read MoreUniversity of Illinois Chicago leverages SwiftComp software to improve understanding of porous coatings
Software to accelerate development and adoption of new composite materials for manufacturing by predicting effects of porosity level on strength.
Read MoreHow to: Getting the most from your mold release
Mold release specialist AXEL Plastics offers dos and don’ts for cleaning, stripping and preparing molds for composites manufacturing. (Sponsored)
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