A retrospective take on the composites industry and the pandemic
Dale Brosius reflects on recent composites industry trends and how they are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Dale Brosius
Contributing Writer, Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI)
Eastman Machine appoints TeCS as U.K. representative
TeCS has established an Eastman technical demonstration facility inside composites specialist Kamm Projects Ltd. in Newcastle, U.K.
Spirit AeroSystems receives $80 million Defense Production Act Title III funding
The funding, in national response to COVID-19, will support and expand Spirit’s production capabilities for composites and metallic fabrication.
Teijin increases short carbon fiber capacity
Increased product capacity will enable the company to better react to European market demands and strengthen its carbon fiber portfolio.
SpaceShipTwo completes second test flight
The VSS Unity’s second glide test continues collecting system evaluation and vehicle performance data to prepare the aircraft for powered spaceflights.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Finishing Industry Leaders
As a generation of experienced coaters and finishers look toward retirement, new leaders are beginning to emerge. Training, education, support and encouragement for new talent is crucial for the future of manufacturing.
People in Composites: June 2020
Siemens Gamesa, Composites for Europe, SPE, Lockheed Martin and more announce management changes.
Racing to build tomorrow’s automotive composites workforce
Recent graduates share experiences gained from collegiate automotive design, engineering and motorsport competition Formula SAE.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
TRB Lightweight Structures launches composites technician apprenticeship
The three-year program includes lecture and practical education, as well as competency-based training to develop composites skills and competencies.
Velis Electro all-electric aircraft obtains type certificate
Obtained from EASA, the Type Certification furthers Pipistrel’s goal for sustainable and emissions-free aircraft.
Abaris offers reduced class sizes for onsite training
Minimum class size has been reduced to six students, to help companies access composites training while following coronavirus safety guidelines.
Episode 32: Gregg Balko, SAMPE
Gregg Balko, CEO of SAMPE since 2004, is retiring on July 1, 2020. CW editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan talks to Gregg about his tenure at SAMPE, changes he led and how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the trade show and conference business — including SAMPE’s.
How Champions Can Develop a Thriving Workforce
Having a workforce development champion in your shop is more critical now than ever before. Here are five techniques your champion can apply to attract and retain new talent.
Kitty Hawk ends eVTOL Flyer aircraft program
Designed with composite materials, the eVTOL aircraft was a major milestone for urban air mobility.
Strata's workforce leaders share perspectives on women in manufacturing
UAE-based aerostructures manufacturer Strata Manufacturing prides itself on providing opportunities for its multinational, female-dominant workforce.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
Abaris reopens Reno training facility
After closing mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, Abaris Training Resources begins in-person classes on June 1.
In memoriam: Longtime CW writer Sara Black dies at 66
Sara Black joined CompositesWorld in 1999 and for the next 20 years embodied the intelligence, curiosity, respect, diligence and accuracy that the publication strove to deliver to its audience.
People in Composites: May 2020
IACMI, SAERTEX, SAMPE and Tooling Tech Group announce new hires in the composites industry.
Anomalies force Virgin Orbit to terminate LauncherOne test
Despite the termination, the test flight provided data necessary to make adjustments for future launches.
Composites suppliers, fabricators respond to coronavirus
Companies across the composites industry supply chain share how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their businesses, and how they are available to help.
Techsolutions R.J. Provides Waste Management Solutions
The company provides customized training in electroplating, wastewater treatment and management, pure water production, process improvement, troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
SpaceShipTwo completes New Mexico glide test
The VSS Unity’s successfully completed its first flight to test performance and handling characteristics, preparing for eventual commercial use.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
European Interegg program awards AACOMA project
The AACOMA project supports the development of advanced composite manufacturing in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR) region beginning in 2023.
Advint's Advisory and Training Services Assist Electroplating Businesses
Advint's advisory service emphasizes science, mathematics, technology and management to help clients achieve their goals.
Hexcel carbon fiber prepreg selected for ultralight aircraft design
German aircraft specialist Flight Design is using HexPly M79 for composite parts on its F2 aircraft.
Report says more than 77,000 on-site workers are needed for growing wind industry
The Global Wind Energy Council and Global Wind Organisation report that more workers are needed to deliver offshore wind installations between 2020-2024.
Exact Metrology offers portable 3D laser scanner
The Leica RTC360 3D laser scanner is a portable coordinate measuring machine designed to measure large-scale objects.
U.S. Department of Labor issues alert to help keep manufacturing workers safe during coronavirus pandemic
OSHA-recommended safety measures for manufacturing employers include flexible work hours, social distancing and personal hygiene.