High-rate, automated aerospace RTM line delivers next-gen spoilers
At Spirit AeroSystem’s Prestwick facility in Scotland, a glimpse of the future of aerocomposites manufacturing in a resin transfer molding line for A320 spoilers.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
Filament wound utility poles offer design flexibility
In Turkey, a utility pole manufacturer combines filament winding, automation, glass and carbon fiber composites to expand its product line.
Composites design and process engineering form next-generation truck body panels
Glass fiber/foam preform technology is key to the all-composite refrigerated truck body panels.
Spar forming simplified
Adapting its Automated Stiffener Forming (ASF) technology to build spars directly in female molds, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems anticipates dramatic drops in cycle time and manufacturing cost.
Thermoplastic overmolded thermosets, 2-minute cycle, one cell
Adhesive-free, functionalized hybrid composites enabled by industry-first, integrated molding cell.
Composite radar masts assembled for megayachts
Vabo Composites designs, builds and assembles 10m-tall composite radar masts, improving weight, stability and performance for modern megayachts.
Leveraging composites for space tourism
Virgin Galactic’s WhiteKnightTwo will carry its SpaceShipTwo to launch position, then rocket passengers to suborbital space for a heavenly view of Earth.
Compression RTM for production of future aerostructures
Automated preforming and 5-min resin infiltration show a way forward for lower-cost CFRP primary structures.
Ginger Gardiner
Senior Editor, CompositesWorld
Thermoplastic composites: Scenic view
First use of thermoplastic composite guide rails to replace aluminum brings many benefits to fixed-glass, roller-blind sunroof modules.
The International 14: High-tech but still accessible
Naval architect Paul Bieker and Henderson Boat Co. team take this venerable marine racing class to a more affordable performance/cost combination.
Infused wing sheds light on aerocomposites future
In the Irkut MS-21 infused and co-cured wings, the aerocomposites industry gets a glimpse of how out-of-autoclave technologies might be applied to primary aircraft structures.
A complete paradigm shift in aircraft construction
With its new Torreswing automated system for mold-free, fastener-free composite fuselage and wing construction, MTorres aims to revolutionize aerostructure.
Rear wall reboot: One-stop, tow to tape to CFRP part
Audi and Voith Composites iterate the CFRP rear wall from R8 sports car to A8 luxury sedan via an automated production line able to output hundreds of parts per day.
The future of CFRP aerostructures assembly
Metrology, robotics and inline inspection cut cost, reduce shimming and enable future automated production of three vertical tail planes per day.
Overmolded hybrid parts open new composites markets
A process that combines continuous carbon fiber-reinforced PAEK with chopped fiber/PEEK overmolding is making inroads in the aerospace market. Parts that previously could not be produced cost-effectively from composites can now be made at less cost than their metal counterparts.
Karen Mason
Contributing Writer
Additive manufacturing: Big and going commercial
A demonstration of large-format 3D printing delivers parts for an excavator cab, from CAD data to ready for assembly, in only five hours.
Higher performance in precast concrete with CFRP
C-GRID trusses in CarbonCast wall system cut construction time, cost, complexity and carbon footprint in energy-efficient urban student housing.
Fiber-metal laminates in the spotlight
Interest in FMLs is growing again as aeroengineers search for lightweight solutions adaptable to new narrowbody commercial aircraft.
Thermoplastic composite panels deliver affordable housing solutions
Modular construction concept takes composite housing another step forward, offering a wide range of comparably priced housing solutions to builders of all types.
Polyurethane’s processing speed, properties enable bigger blades
Decade-long development effort reaches key wind energy cost-reduction milestone using epoxy-besting infusion resin.
Ceramic matrix composites: Hot engine solution
Disruptive designs for composites operation in 1093°C zones.
Automated joining of hybrid metal-thermoplastic composite structures
The FlexHyJoin production cell combines surface structuring, induction and laser joining and NDT for automotive mass production.
Ginger Gardiner
Senior Editor, CompositesWorld
Automating NDT for CFRP aerostructures
Robotic laser shearography enables 100% inspection of complex, flight-critical composite structures.