Laser projection system optimizes rotor blade manufacture
A series of systems installed by Z-Laser GmbH helped Nordex Group optimize fiber layup and positioning processes during the development of its 74-meter-long wind turbine blade.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
Additive Molding technology revolutionizes autonomous drone design
Arris’ Additive Molding process uses consolidated glass/carbon fiber airframe to optimize performance and reduce costs to produce Skydio X2 drone for industrial, consumer and defense use.
All-composite white cane improves mobility for visually impaired
The light weight, ergonomics and stiffness provided by the carbon fiber composite design enable a safer, easier to handle mobility solution.
Composites meet precision, weight goals for complex facade design
Brazilian fabricator Gatron manufactured 3,000 square meters of curved composite frames to support a 33-floor residential building.
Italian student design team uses composites to improve automotive performance
Politecnico di Milano’s Formula SAE team worked with Exel Composites to transition to lighter, better-performing composite vehicle components.
CNT-enhanced composite tanks lighten rescue workers' loads
Graphene nanotube-enhanced composite tanks reduce weight in firefighters’ compressed air tanks by up to 75%, and show potential for hydrogen storage.
Using nondestructive testing to inspect, repair carbon fiber bicycles
An Oregon-based bicycle inspection and repair shop uses an Olympus ultrasonic thickness gage to evaluate and fix structural damage.
Portable, lightweight active wheelchair design eases travel accessibility
Technical partnership to combine a revolutionary wheelchair design with composite materials and processes for a lightweight, travel-friendly product that promises 60% space savings.
Grace Nehls
Assistant Editor, CompositesWorld
Composite sandwich panels enable flexibility in medical table design
Polyurethane foam core provides a cost-effective option for ACP Composites’ specialized medical positioning table design.
Thermoplastic composites add light weight, durability to personal transport
The laptop-sized WALKCAR automatic people mover is constructed from Teijin thermoplastic carbon fiber composite materials.
Recycled thermoplastic composite rotorcraft access panel takes flight
Designed as part of the TPC-Cycle program, the flight-tested panel demonstrates a lighter, cost-effective, sustainable thermoplastic composite application.
FRP profiles enable affordable aesthetic solution for unique residential architecture
The FRP profiles, manufactured by Italy-based M.M. S.r.l., allow easy fabrication and construction on-site in less than two days.
Fiberglass composites enable lighter, sturdier COVID-19 testing booth design
Canada-based Imagine Fiberglass’ IsoBooth station is designed to eliminate the need for PPE by healthcare workers testing patients for COVID-19.
Combination of automation, rigid foam core enable high-volume aircraft part production
A feasibility study demonstrates increased production capacity using Evonik foam core and automated manufacturing.
Composite panels aid design of prefabricated apartment addition
Glass fiber/epoxy sandwich panels achieved structural requirements, complex geometries and challenging installation needs for London apartment renovation.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
3D printing large composite molds with a 5-axis CNC machine
Hungarian manufacturer uses CEAD Robot Extruder to cut composite tooling time and cost.
Carbon fiber tapes enhance performance of cross-country skis
A ski manufacturer uses Hexcel dry carbon fiber tapes to increase cross-country ski performance, manufacturing efficiency and surface finish.
Microfiber-infused resin enables single-step molding process
Spoke Materials’ reinforced liquid composites provide alternative fabrication methods.
JEC World 2020 preview
JEC World 2020, the largest composites-focused trade event, will be held March 3-5 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre.
Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites enable wheel blade for all-electric SUV
Covestro’s Maezio continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composites are being used in the production of a wheel blade for NIO’s all-electric SUV.
Tech Table: Adhesives
A table of aerospace structural adhesives includes collected from data provided by suppliers.
Innovative tooling, automation enable new line of composite window wells
Moldmaker and automation specialist Commercial Tool Group provided RockWell with custom compression molds and robotics to enable high-volume, low-cost production.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
CFRP bests steel in precision ball joints
Near-zero backlash in bearings and automation components.
Prepreg cutting system reduces waste, speeds assembly of Swiss business jet
Swiss aircraft manufacturer cites years of Zünd digital cutting systems as part of the success story for several iterations of commercial aircraft.
Composite insert as a structural reinforcement for A-pillars
A Porsche structural A-pillar reduces weight and increases strength with a hybrid part combining thermoplastic composites, steel and structural foam.
Fiberglass industrial fan manufacturer builds on tradition
Collaboration produces large diameter low noise application composite axial flow fan.
A digital approach to automation
One aerostructures manufacturer’s journey from hand layup to AFP.
Natural fiber enables e-bike for package delivery
New parcel delivery vehicle concept employs a natural fiber prepreg for low weight, vibration dampening, non-conductivity and flame retardancy.
