Composites Processes
Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.
Narrow Your Processes Search
Latest Processes Articles
VIEW ALL
UMaine’s novel polymer 3D printer surpasses former Guinness World Record
Four times larger than its 2019 predecessor, Factory of the Future 1.0 offers new opportunities in composite materials, including development of recycled and bio-based materials, opening up new research frontiers.
Read More
From the CW Archives: The life and death of the BMW i3
A look back at the ambitious and impressive composites production system BMW developed for production of the all-electric i3 EV.
Read More
VoxelMatters report reveals top companies in composites AM
The new market study identifies key players in a $785 million global market that has grown by 21% year on year.
Read More
Belotti, Cosberg partner for advanced automated assembly solutions
The Italy-based companies merge technological know-how to develop novel systems for the processing and assembly of light alloys and carbon fiber components.
Read More
Electroimpact offers variable spot size laser AFP 4.0 technology
Patented process technology increases quality, reliability and machine utilization for composite laminate production.
Read More
Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.
WatchKnowledge Centers
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
LEARN MORE
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
LEARN MORE
CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.
LEARN MORE
Latest Processes News And Updates
ILAuNCH Trailblazer project to use AM technologies to produce large-scale composite rockets
ILAuNCH partnership, joined by ANU and New Frontier Technologies, will develop a qualified manufacturing process that will directly contribute to the development of launch vehicle development.
Read More
Materialise adds three materials to enhance industrial 3D printing
Materialise expands additive manufacturing portfolio with early adoption of new HP PA 12S and integration of PA 11 and PA-CF materials.
Read More
Fiber Dynamics invests in GX 1100 DCIM from KraussMaffei
Direct compounding injection molding (DCIM) enables the composites company to develop, test and protect its own recipe formulations, while increasing cycle times by eight times and reducing energy consumption.
Read More
UMaine researchers aim to recycle wind turbine blades as 3D printing material
With a DOE grant in hand, UMaine’s ASCC seeks to develop an approach to recycle shredded wind turbine blade material as a cost-effective reinforcement and filler for large-scale 3D printing.
Read More
Exel Composites supplies fiberglass profiles for Foton electric buses
Partnership with Chinese automotive manufacturer will see the implementation of pultruded profiles in various bus models, backed by weight savings, complex geometries and long life.
Read More
Airtech, AES partner to grow LFAM applications
Airtech will provide extensive AM support, while AES commits to exclusive use of Airtech products, all of which will further materials development, market strategies and design practices.
Read More
.jpg;maxWidth=300;quality=90;format=webp)
Featured Posts
Carbon fiber composite pallet revolutionizes freight industry
LOG Point Pallet fuses advanced materials with innovative design and manufacturing to improve supply chains worldwide.
Watch
AI-powered robotic solutions support high-mix manufacturing
AI startup offers automation innovations for high-mix, high-variability, manual surface finishing applications.
Read More
Revisiting the double vacuum debulk process
Evolution of the double vacuum debulk (DVD) process over the years continues to advance its “near autoclave quality” for low-void, highly compacted repair patches.
Read More
Eaton developing carbon-reinforced PEKK to replace aluminum in aircraft air ducts
3D printable material will meet ESD, flammability and other requirements to allow for flexible manufacturing of ducts, without tooling needed today.
Watch
Optimizing machining for composites: Tool designs, processes and Industry 4.0 systems
Hufschmied moves beyond optimized milling and drilling tools to develop SonicShark inline quality control system and Cutting Edge World cloud platform for optimized tool use and processes.
Watch.jpeg;maxWidth=400;quality=70;format=webp)
From the CW Archives: Drilling is not for the faint of heart
This edition of From the CW Archives revisits CW’s first plant tour — a visit to the F-35 FAL in Fort Worth, Texas — and a story by Ginger Gardiner a few years later. Both offer lessons on how to perform stacked drilling through composite and metallic materials.
Read More
