Testing

Glass-coated magnetic microwires for nondestructive composites monitoring

Glass-coated, amorphous microwires combine nanometer to micrometer diameters, enabling embedding into composites without degrading mechanical properties.  
#sensors #design-and-testing

CAMX Expo

What to expect at CAMX 2022

The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX), the largest composites industry trade event in North America, takes place Oct. 17-20, 2022 in Anaheim, Calif., U.S.
#camx

SPONSORED

Top 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.

New Zealand Excellence in Innovation Award is presented to Pultron Composites

The GFRP specialist is a Hawkes Bay Export Awards finalist, acknowledged for its global product distribution and dynamic industry solutions.  

Marine

HAV Hydrogen to introduce containerized H2 system for ships

The standalone, scalable power supply is an option for newly build vessels, or those not already prepared for a conventional retrofit installation below deck, fast-tracking H2 fuel use. HAV notes future opportunities for composites.  
#hydrogen

Boston Materials announces new headquarters to support increased production, company growth

With this new Billerica, Massachusetts-based facility, the company expects to significantly scale composite materials production and add a number new jobs, with room for future technology immersion programs, expansion.  

Automotive

Lanxess composite advances electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Halogen-free glass fiber-reinforced Durethan BKV20FN01 was used in the manufacture of charging cable connectors, demonstrates high tracking resistance and flame retardance.  

VIDEO / PODCASTS

| 2 MINUTE READ

Beyond Gravity delivers space technology, composites expertise for Artemis missions

Mechanisms to drive solar array panels, a composite universal stage adapter and central network electronics supply drive Artemis missions forward.  
#space

Design/Simulation |

Carbon fiber enables new, low-CO2 Skyrora orbital launch vehicle

U.K. private space company is developing and testing orbital launch vehicle Skyrora XL to carry small satellites in Earth’s orbit using eco-friendly fuel, a unified systems design and composites.  
#space

Construction

Episode 39: Joe Fox, FX Consulting

Consultant Joe Fox talks about the massive potential for composites use in infrastructure applications and what it will take to turn that potential into reality.
#infrastructure #787

Webinar

Laser Projection Systems: Best Practices in Industrial Manufacturing

Laser projection systems are a vital tool in the automated manufacturing environment, delivering precision measurement and greater efficiencies in labor asset management with minimal training and ease of integration.

CW SPECIAL REPORTS

Automotive

The 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic is revealed

Porsche releases another tribute to some of its past models, featuring a ducktail spoiler, a double-bubble roof and hood comprised of CFRP.
#specialreport

Carbon Fibers

What kind of pickup would Bruce Wayne drive?

Introducing the Brabus 800 Adventure XLP Superblack, a retrofitted Mercedes-AMG G 63 pickup truck that is off-road capable and decked out in carbon fiber.
#specialreport

Digital thread vs. digital twin

Visualizing the difference between digital representations and data flows and understanding the applications that are changing composites manufacturing and business models.
#airbus #autoclave #layup

Fabrics/Preforms

RAPM development with PtFS

Boeing-led program explores rapid part cycles using automated, 180-channel thermal control molding cell for infusion, thermoset prepreg and thermoplastic composites.
#autoclave #boeing #outofautoclave

CW PLANT TOURS

Plant tour: Hexcel, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.

The scale, precision, speed and quality of carbon fiber manufacture has evolved substantially since the material’s modern introduction in the late 1960s. Hexcel offers a glimpse of the state of the art today.
#a350 #adhesives #aeroengines

Plant Tour: Victrex Composites Solutions, Bristol, Rhode Island, U.S.

De-risking thermoplastic composites at industrial scale via hybrid overmolding.
#outofautoclave #planttour #paek

Plant tour: ATC Manufacturing, Post Falls, Idaho, U.S.

ATC is at the top of the list when it comes to thermoplastic composites and aerostructures manufacturing. CW explains why.
#planttour

ATL/AFP

Plant tour: ÉireComposites, Galway, Ireland

An in-house testing business and R&D focus has led to innovative materials use and projects in a range of markets, from civil aerospace to renewable energy to marine.
#planttour #space #windblades

Automotive

Opportunities and challenges for composites in electric vehicles

Polymer and material specialists at chemical consulting firm ChemBizR reflect on the role of composites in current and future efforts to make electric vehicles more efficient — and more attractive for consumers.    
#pastpresentandfuture #electricvehicles

Final perspectives and provocations

As Dale Brosius winds down his Perspectives & Provocations column, he reminisces on its start in 2013 and offers some parting thoughts on the trends and technologies that are shaping the composites industry.
#perspectives-and-provocations

Marine

Carbon fiber composite hydrofoils to enable “world’s fastest” electric ferry

The Candela P-12 Shuttle, set to launch in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2023, will incorporate lightweight composites and automated manufacturing to combine speed, passenger comfort and energy efficiency.
#application

Molds/Tools

Digitizing tools for composites production

Alpex Technologies focuses on industrialization, process and part intelligence and biocomposites in its next generation of tooling systems.
#composites4_0 #biomaterials

Composites industry perpetuates deceleration trend into July

The Composites Fabricating Index continues to experience slowed growth in a majority of its components, inching closer to a reading of “50.”
#economics