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.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
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.
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.
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.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
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.
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 sandwich panels enable flexibility in medical table design
Polyurethane foam core provides a cost-effective option for ACP Composites’ specialized medical positioning table design.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
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.
FRP pultrusions replace wood for structural applications
Unlike wood, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is unaffected by salt spray, moisture or prolonged immersion in water, making it a good material choice for structural applications in harsh environments.
Additive manufacturing speeds wind tunnel model creation
A new composite material was developed to 3D-print a helicopter model that met structural needs while providing flexibility for fast reproduction.
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.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
Ballistic panels protect school
A composites manufacturer has developed military-grade pultruded panels that are being used to protect schools in case of violent intruders.
Multimaterial carbon fiber composite engine brace
The project’s aim was to produce a lighter, composite version of an aluminum Audi engine brace, with a more aesthetic molded shape.
Combining materials for better bicycles
Bicycle manufacturer HIA Velo combines composite materials to make its products more durable.
Foiling motoryacht impresses in carbon fiber/epoxy
A project is underway to build a faster, lighter, hybrid-electric motorboat with foils and hull fabricated from carbon fiber and epoxy.
Composites restore drinking water in historic Amsterdam
A fiberglass-reinforced liner helped resurrect a corroded waterline pipe.
Basalt fiber gives prosthetics more “give”
Prosthetics and orthotics often take advantage of composite materials’ strength and durability. Basalt fiber has given manufacturer Coyote Design (Boise, ID, US) a performance edge.