Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics play a pivotal role in composite materials by serving as the matrix phase that binds reinforcements together. Unlike thermoset resins, thermoplastics possess the ability to soften and reform when heated, allowing for reshaping and recycling. They offer unique advantages such as high toughness, chemical resistance, and easy processing, making them versatile in various industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. Composites using thermoplastic matrices exhibit exceptional damage tolerance and are sought after for their potential in complex manufacturing processes like injection molding, enabling efficient production of intricate and high-performance parts.
Latest Thermoplastics Articles
VIEW ALLLast call for ITHEC conference abstracts
The thermoplastic composites event, taking place Oct. 9-10 in Berlin, Germany, is seeking oral and poster contributions before March 31.
Read MoreECOHYDRO 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.
Read MoreHexcel, Arkema present CFRTP aerospace demonstrator in HAICoPAS
Project optimized design and production of UD composite tapes reinforced with a PEKK matrix, using a continuous in-situ welding (ISW) assembly system.
Read MoreFraunhofer IWS completes MFFD longitudinal fuselage joint using CONTIjoin technology
Thermoplastic composite upper and lower half shells for the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator were welded using CO2 laser over a total length of 8 meters.
Read MoreToray announces Cetex TC915 PA+ thermoplastic tape
Strengthened polyamide-based unidirectional tape has been added to the Cetex portfolio, addressing high-performance applications.
Read MoreAimplas, Redit Ventures launch Lofith Composites
New company launch will focus on the design and creation of long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic pellets and UD tapes for automotive, aerospace and construction.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
Closed mold processes offer many advantages over open molding. This knowledge center details the basics of closed mold methods and the products and tools essential to producing a part correctly.
LEARN MOREExplore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
LEARN MOREThis CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
LEARN MORELatest Thermoplastics News And Updates
Digital Composites Factory joint venture to grow thermoplastics manufacturing
Together, AFPT, Alformet and New Frontier Technologies are fostering a productive environment for development of well-designed thermoplastic composites via automation, innovative design and advanced 3D expertise.
Read MoreArris introduces MTO CFRTP bike spokes
Lightweight carbon fiber spoke is designed, engineered and manufactured using Arris’ Additive Molding technology.
Read MoreThermoplastic tape friction tester completed at TPRC
Delivered and implemented at Toray Advanced Composites, the setup seeks to eliminate defects during hot press forming thermoplastic tapes.
Read MoreToray Advanced Composites launches LCA program for Cetex composites
Lifecycle assessment, starting at Toray’s Nijverdal site and then broadening to U.S. locations, will provide reliable emissions data to customers purchasing the range of thermoplastic composite materials.
Read MoreTPRC joins aviation projects with thermoplastic composites focus
TPRC advanced materials expertise will be applied to Luchtvaart in Transitie and FENIKS with a primary aim to make aviation more sustainable.
Read MoreRein4ced, Dieffenbacher automate large-scale production of CFRP bike frames
A synergistic alliance combining Dieffenbacher’s production automation with Rein4ced’s hybrid Feather composite led to fully automated bike frame production line, which will be expanded to other composite products.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
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.
WatchPlant tour: Sekisui Aerospace, Orange City, Iowa, Renton and Sumner, Wash., U.S.
Veteran composites sites use kaizen and innovation culture to expand thermoplastic serial production, 4.0 digitization and new technology for diversified new markets.
WatchComposites 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 MoreUpdate: 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.
Read MoreFrom the CW Archives: The tale of the thermoplastic cryotank
In 2006, guest columnist Bob Hartunian related the story of his efforts two decades prior, while at McDonnell Douglas, to develop a thermoplastic composite crytank for hydrogen storage. He learned a lot of lessons.
Read MoreThe potential for thermoplastic composite nacelles
Collins Aerospace draws on global team, decades of experience to demonstrate large, curved AFP and welded structures for the next generation of aircraft.
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