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17 Apr 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
Lilium begins composite battery packs production for Lilium Jet
First units off the battery assembly line in Munich will be used for verification testing ahead of first piloted flight, targeted for end of 2024.

15 Apr 2024 Pressure Vessels
Noble Gas awarded $500K for conformable, compressed gas storage tanks
DOE MAKE IT prize supports U.S.-based manufacturing of clean energy technology components for a diverse range of market applications.

12 Apr 2024 Filament Winding
Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.

8 Apr 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
EHang secures production certification from CAAC
With production, type and standard airworthiness certification under its belt the AAM company is cleared for mass production of the EH216-S.

8 Apr 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
Archer successfully completes multiple battery pack drop tests for Midnight aircraft
Proprietary battery pack design integrated into a composite battery enclosure passed extreme impact scenario simulations, setting the stage for upcoming for-credit testing with the FAA.

8 Apr 2024 Pressure Vessels
Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)
The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.
Design & Tooling See All

12 Apr 2024 Filament Winding
Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.

12 Apr 2024 Molds/Tools
Century Tool investment boosts efficiency, capability in tooling for composites
Designer and builder of compression molds for composite structures installs seven-axis CNC deep-hole drilling and milling machine to improve productivity.

6 Mar 2024 Additive Manufacturing
Massivit, Sika to co-brand digital tooling materials for Massivit 10000 series
Strategic MOU initially introduces SikaBiresin CIM 120 and SikaBiresin CIM 80 to serve crucial composites market needs for 3D printing tooling, prototyping and more.

5 Mar 2024 Additive Manufacturing
Belotti to integrate hybrid BEAD system with Adaxis AdaOne software
Through this strategic collaboration, BEAD’s additive and subtractive capabilities for large-scale AM composite tooling production are made more accessible.

28 Feb 2024 Automation
Plyable releases AI-powered mold design tool
Plyable continues to rid composites engineers of workflow bottlenecks through an end-to-end automated system — from mold design to quotation to manufacturing fulfillment.

23 Feb 2024 Molds/Tools
Comprehensive group portfolio targets holistic engineering, tooling and epoxy resins
JEC World 2024: The RAMPF Group is bringing together three of its divisions — RAMPF Composite Solutions, RAMPF Tooling Solutions, and RAMPF Group Inc. — delivering a variety of materials and services to the composites industry.
Materials See All

17 Apr 2024 Recycling
Sustainable Infrastructure Systems creates fiber-reinforced post-consumer plastic structural panels
Australian composites manufacturer offers a scalable building solution, already established in a pedestrian bridge application, to tackle unprocessed soft plastics waste.

12 Apr 2024 Recycling
Exel Composites, Fairmat sign carbon fiber scrap repurpose deal
Exel material waste will go through Fairmat’s reconstitution process to produce second-generation CFRP chips, enabling a closed-loop ecosystem.

11 Apr 2024 Additive Manufacturing
ILAuNCH Trailblazer project to use AM technologies to produce large-scale composite rockets
ILAuNCH partnership, joined by ANU and New Frontier Technologies, will develop a qualified manufacturing process that will directly contribute to the development of launch vehicle development.

10 Apr 2024 Thermoplastics
JEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes
CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.

9 Apr 2024 Biomaterials
JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more
CW technical editor Hannah Mason discusses trends seen at this year’s JEC World trade show, including sustainability-focused technologies and commitments, the Paris Olympics amongst other topics.

8 Apr 2024 Wind/Energy
Acciona to build wind blade recycling plant in Spain by 2025
Waste2Fiber facility will use a proprietary thermal method to separate wind blade materials for reuse and will have a processing capacity of 6,000 tons of material/year.
Processes See All

15 Apr 2024 Machining/Drilling
Belotti, Cosberg partner for advanced automated assembly solutions
The Italy-based companies merge technological know-how to develop novel systems for the processing and assembly of light alloys and carbon fiber components.

15 Apr 2024 ATL/AFP
Electroimpact offers variable spot size laser AFP 4.0 technology
Patented process technology increases quality, reliability and machine utilization for composite laminate production.

12 Apr 2024 Pressure Vessels
Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.

11 Apr 2024 Carbon Fibers
ILAuNCH Trailblazer project to use AM technologies to produce large-scale composite rockets
ILAuNCH partnership, joined by ANU and New Frontier Technologies, will develop a qualified manufacturing process that will directly contribute to the development of launch vehicle development.

9 Apr 2024 Additive Manufacturing
Materialise adds three materials to enhance industrial 3D printing
Materialise expands additive manufacturing portfolio with early adoption of new HP PA 12S and integration of PA 11 and PA-CF materials.

3 Apr 2024 Injection/Overmolding
Fiber Dynamics invests in GX 1100 DCIM from KraussMaffei
Direct compounding injection molding (DCIM) enables the composites company to develop, test and protect its own recipe formulations, while increasing cycle times by eight times and reducing energy consumption.
Composites 101 See All

20 Feb 2024 Electronics
Composites end markets: Electronics (2024)
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.

25 Aug 2023 Composites Basics
Celebrating 30 years of CompositesWorld, Part 1
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.

21 Jul 2023 Design/Simulation
The basics of composite drawing interpretation
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.

27 Jan 2023 Composites Basics
Proper application of semi-permanent mold release systems
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.

9 Jan 2023 Aerospace
Composites end markets: Aerospace (2023)
With COVID in the past and passengers flying again, commercial aircraft production is ramping up. The aerocomposites supply chain is busy developing new M&P for an approaching next-generation aircraft program.

29 Dec 2022 Market Outlook
Composites end markets: Automotive (2023)
Electrification and a focus on sustainability lead to opportunities and innovations in composites, from battery enclosures to structural components and more.
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Webinars See All

24 Apr 2024
The Keys to High-Performance Composites: Continuous Processes
As part two of the webinar series about composites manufacturing processes, this webinar will focus on the continuous processes in the manufacturing of composite materials: filament winding, pultrusion and a combination of both. This presentation will briefly give an overview of both processes, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. You'll discover the product recommendations from Evonik's portfolio for these processes, including how they can be used to enhance the performance of the final composite materials. This webinar will conclude with an outlook on the various applications including infrastructure, marine and transportation.

25 Apr 2024
Strain Measurement for Composite Testing
In this webinar, Instron will discuss the different solutions for strain measurement on composite materials, such as: strain gauges, clip-on extensometers, video extensometers and digital image correlation (DIC). It will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and when you might prefer one method over another. Agenda: Brief introduction to composite materials and properties Strain measurement techniques for coupon testing Examples of strain measurement for various test types including: in-plane tensile, compression, through thickness and v-notch shear

29 Apr 2024
The Keys to High-Performance Composites: Semi-Finished Goods
As part three of the webinar series about composites manufacturing processes, this webinar will focus on the two main processes to manufacture semi-finished goods and the composites resulting from it: sheet molding compounding (SMC) and prepreg technology. This presentation will briefly highlight the advantages and challenges. The main part of the webinars will showcase product recommendations from Evonik's portfolio and how they can be used to enhance the performance of the final composite materials to meet the requirements from the automotive, aerospace and sporting goods industries.

9 May 2024
Honeycomb for Aerospace Structures
This webinar will cover a range of honeycomb products, how to best select the right honeycomb for particular applications and design guidelines for honeycomb-cored structures. Agenda: Honeycomb overview Configuration and applications General considerations and quality standards Methods and methodology for shaping core Core forming Stabilization CNC machining Case studies Cost progression

16 May 2024
Beyond Kinetic Models: Innovative Pathways to Boost Production Efficiency
After having established a strong foundation in kinetic models in a previous webinar, part two delves into the exciting realm of machine learning and its transformative potential for composite manufacturing. While kinetic models have served the industry well, the growing complexity of composite manufacturing demands more sophisticated approaches. In this session, sensXPERT will explore innovative pathways to supercharge your production efficiency and enhance sustainability beyond the limits of traditional models. See how machine learning empowers composite manufacturers to achieve unprecedented accuracy in predicting key production parameters such as temperature, pressure and cure time. This translates to reduced cycle times and waste while increasing production throughput to maximize efficiency. SensXPERT will provide concrete examples and case studies demonstrating how to bridge the gap between meticulously-controlled laboratory experiments and the realities of the production floor, overcoming the limitations of kinetic models. Agenda: Define machine learning, its applications and their impact on composite manufacturing Explore real-world case studies in diverse composites manufacturing applications and how they exploit integration options Correlation analysis: uncovering hidden relationships between process parameters and product outcomes Time series analysis: forecasting production trends Anomaly detection: identifying irregularities

On Demand
Increasing Your Product Development Success with Graphene Additives
When developing new products and formulations, there are a large number of additive choices to improve a single property you are aiming for: tougheners, plasticizers, flame retardants, the list goes on. One promising additive is graphene and its derivatives, but most organizations don’t know where to begin, so development walls are hit early in the process and therefore projects can be abandoned before success. But your chances of success are drastically increased when you partner with industry experts that know what forms of graphene will meet your needs. In this webinar Mito Materials will discuss how to successfully source, formulate and deploy any graphene material in the world — and do it to your specs and timeline.

18 Apr 2024 New & Upcoming
The Keys to High-Performance Composites: Liquid Composite Molding Register Now
Events See All

23 Apr 2024
UTECH Europe
UTECH Europe will return on the 23-25 April 2024 to the MECC Maastricht, the Netherlands. Organised by Crain Communications' Global Polymer Group, and in association with Urethanes Technology International, the three-day exhibition and conference is where the global polyurethanes industry comes together.

24 Apr 2024
EuReComp Workshop 2024
The 2nd EuReComp (“European recycling and circularity in large composite components”) Workshop will take place April 24, 2024 at the Aimen Technology Centre in Vigo, Spain. The April workshop is dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainability within the composites recycling sector. It will feature a comprehensive program that includes keynote presentations by leading experts, interactive discussions on the circular economy and hands-on demonstrations showcasing the newest research and technological developments.

24 Apr 2024
Composite Sandwich Conference 2024
ThermHex and Fraunhofer are set to host the third Composite-Sandwich Conference in Halle (Saale), Germany, on April 24-25, 2024. The conference will provide the opportunity for engineers and scientists from across the composites industry to explore new fields of application of sandwich materials and network with some of the leading minds in the sector. Not only will there be lectures from Daimler Truck, Porsche, Audi, Airbus Helicopters, Evonik Performance Foams and more, but both ThermHex Waben and Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis and Processing will open up the doors to their facilities for all participants to receive guided tours of both facilities.

30 Apr 2024
SPE Thermoset TOPCON 2024
Join leaders in the thermoset industry at TOPCON 2024 where you’ll learn about opportunities for thermoset innovative technologies in multiple markets. The event includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, technical presentations, exhibits and a special program dedicated to growing the industry.

6 May 2024
AWEA Cleanpower Conference 2024
The most knowledgeable minds in clean energy join ACP’s CLEANPOWER event to chart the future of this powerful industry and discuss the opportunities ahead. This is the must-attend conference of the year. CLEANPOWER grows businesses by gathering key decision makers and stakeholders across the wind, solar, storage, hydrogen, and transmission industries for discussion, deal making, networking and a whole lot of fun. We’re calling all manufacturers, construction firms, owner operators, utilities, financial firms, corporate buyers and sector members to join our landmark event. Mark your calendar to join us next year in Minneapolis, MN May 6-9 at the most anticipated clean energy trade show of the year.

6 May 2024
Offshore Technology Conference 2024
The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. Since 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston. OTC has expanded technically and globally with OTC Brasil and OTC Asia. OTC is sponsored by 13 industry organizations and societies, who work cooperatively to develop the technical program. OTC also has endorsing and supporting organizations

18 Apr 2024 New & Upcoming
WCX World Congress Experience 2024 Register Now
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Whitepapers See All

10 Jan 2024
Jetcam addresses the economic importance of efficient material nesting
Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.

8 Jan 2024
Arris Composites demonstrates advantages of natural fibers applied with Additive Molding
Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.

27 Dec 2023
Cevotec white paper presents novel approach for H2 tank production
Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.

23 Nov 2023
KCARBON and KIST develop lyocell/PLA/wood biocomposites
Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.

1 Nov 2023
Exel Composites releases guide for design considerations in composite tubes
The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.

21 Jul 2023
UAMMI white paper addresses composites recycling in Utah
Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.
Articles See All

15 Apr 2024 Economics
Composites industry activity meaningfully slowed contraction in March
The GBI: Composites Fabricating still contracted in March, though it landed just one point shy of 50, which could eventually lead it into expansion territory.

12 Apr 2024 Automation
Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.

10 Apr 2024 Hi-Temp Resins
JEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes
CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.

9 Apr 2024 Recycling
JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more
CW technical editor Hannah Mason discusses trends seen at this year’s JEC World trade show, including sustainability-focused technologies and commitments, the Paris Olympics amongst other topics.

8 Apr 2024 Market Outlook
Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)
The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.

29 Mar 2024 JEC
A return to JEC World
CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis reflects on the ways in which the composites industry has changed and also stayed the same based on observations from this year’s JEC World.

17 Apr 2024 Design and Testing
Damage tolerance testing of sandwich composites: The sandwich flexure-after-impact (FAI) test
Sustainability See All

28 Mar 2024 Sustainability
Forvia moves toward more sustainable automotive composites manufacturing
Automotive technology supplier Forvia shares sustainability goals and recent developments aimed at bio-based and recycled materials and ramping up hydrogen tank production for clean mobility.

27 Mar 2024 Sustainability
4 things to consider for sustainable composites manufacturing
Customer decarbonization goals demand supply chains with sustainable business practices. Here are four considerations for supporting those goals that will be discussed further at CW Tech Days.

25 Mar 2024 Work In Progress
Measuring energy use to enable sustainable composites production
Airbus subsidiary CTC uses new technology to measure energy use in machine components and processes to optimize equipment, production lines and guide decisions for future composites.

20 Mar 2024 Sustainability
Novel DITF composite material enables CO2-negative construction
Three materials — bio-based carbon fibers, natural stone and biochar — act as an alternative to reinforced concrete in a house wall demonstrator in the DACCUS-Pre project.

20 Mar 2024 Lifecycle Analysis
Life cycle assessment in the composites industry
As companies strive to meet zero-emissions goals, evaluating a product’s carbon footprint is vital. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is one tool composites industry OEMs and Tier suppliers are using to move toward sustainability targets.

18 Mar 2024 Sustainability
IMDEA Materials demonstrates recyclability of CNT sheets
Researchers have proven it’s possible to recycle CNTs at the macroscopic scale with nearly 100% retention of mechanical and electrical properties, removing a hurdle to sustainable CNT-based fiber, sheet and textile adoption.

9 Apr 2024 Automotive
JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more
Knowledge Centers

CompositesWorld Collections
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

Closed Molding Knowledge Center
Closed mold processes offer many advantages over open molding. This knowledge center details the basics of closed mold methods and the products and tools essential to producing a part correctly.

Composites in Advanced Air Mobility Presentations

CW Tech Days: Sustainability
This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

CW Tech Days: Composites in Advanced Air Mobility
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Automated Composites
In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.

Thermoplastics for Large Structures
During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Sustainability
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.

The Now and Next in Composites

Sensors for Composite Processing

Composites in Infrastructure and Construction
CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.
View Knowledge Center
CW Tech Days

Composites in Infrastructure and Construction
CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

Composites in Advanced Air Mobility
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

Thermoplastics for Large Structures
Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Sustainability in Composites Manufacturing
Explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
Collections See All

Composites in Hydrogen Storage
A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.

Recycled Composites
This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.

Thermoplastic Composites
This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.

Tooling
This collection features recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

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Plastics Unlimited Inc.

Plastics Unlimited Inc.

AS SEEN ON CW

303 First St. NW
Preston, IA 52069 US
563-689-4752
plasticsunlimited.com

About Plastics Unlimited Inc.

Plastics, thermoforming, urethanes, fiberglass, composites, carbon fiber, Light RTM, and the TEC (Toolless Engineered Composites) process.

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Plastics Unlimited completes facility expansion

CAMX 2019 exhibit preview: Plastics Unlimited

Combining plastics and composites for Class A parts without tools

Reaping the benefits: Composites use grows in agricultural equipment

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