Peggy Malnati Contributing Writer

Electric Vehicles 9 Mar 2017

SMC: Old dog, new tricks

A sheet molding compound renaissance highlights new reinforcements, new fillers, new matrices, new opportunities.

Weaving 8 Mar 2017

Thermoplastic composites: Occupant protection in transportation

European consortium develops, validates unique hybrid process for a glass/PA6 engine-compartment bulkhead to replace stamped steel on commercial trucks.

Work In Progress 20 Feb 2017

Machine vision: Rapid error detection

Aerospace-aimed ply placement technology evolves into process management and near-real time inspection system for production laminated composite parts.

Automotive 8 Jun 2016

Breathing-mold process yields sandwich composite from LFT

In-cavity foaming and controlled mold-opening technique creates core and faceskins from a single injection molded material, reducing part mass and boosting performance.

Automotive 11 Apr 2016

Selective reinforcements boost “commodity” composite properties

Strategically placed advanced reinforcements reduce weight, cost while dramatically increasing mechanical performance and dimensional stability.

Automotive 10 Mar 2016

Form + function = Classy chassis

Sandwich-composite chassis components double as structural and styling elements, reducing cost of ownership.

Out of Autoclave 10 Mar 2016

Lower cost, less waste: Inline prepreg production

New technologies move direct (fabricator-based) prepregging closer to reality.

Core 8 Feb 2016

Thermoplastic honeycomb cores: Tough insulated sandwiches

Foam-filled nylon/polyester fabric yields sandwich panel cores with excellent mechanicals, durability, thermal insulation.

Materials Testing 8 Feb 2016

Low-density SMC: Better living through chemistry

Proprietary sizing, special glass roving and microspheres strip 9 kilos of weight from Corvette body panels.

Sustainability 1 Oct 2015

Composite rebar strengthens riverbed “catfish houses”

Basalt-reinforced polyester rebar eliminates rust and spalling and extends the useful life of concrete catfish spawning and habitat units in Chicago River environmental restoration effort.