Bulk Molding Compound

Infusion 14 Feb 2023

Thermosets vs. thermoplastics: Is the battle over?

Dale Brosius, the chief commercialization officer for the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and a regular CW columnist, sees a shift in the industry from infighting between proponents of thermoset and thermoplastic composites to a healthier competitive atmosphere that serves to make composites overall more competitive with legacy materials.

Epoxies 10 Mar 2015

At JEC Europe 2015: DSM Composite Resins AG

The Schaffhausen, Switzerland-based resin manufacturer introduced three new offerings to JEC Europe visitors and displayed the latest version of the Human Powered Vehicle, Velox4.

Ketones 5 May 2023

Fiber reinforcement forms

Fibers used to reinforce composites are supplied directly by fiber manufacturers and indirectly by converters in a number of different forms, which vary depending on the application. Here's a guide to what's available.

Adhesives 12 Jan 2015

The matrix (2015)

The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here's a guide to selection.

Curing 9 Jan 2015

Fabrication methods (2015)

There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.

Adhesives 1 Apr 2014

Styrene & cobalt: Headed for the exit?

Fair or not, styrene and cobalt are now considered harmful to humans. Here's an update on the impact this issue poses for the composites industry and what resin and additive manufacturers are doing about it.

Epoxies 1 Aug 2013

Additives and modifiers: Matrix optimization

New and reengineered modifiers for thermosets and thermoplastics target previously elusive goals in composites processing and performance.

Biomaterials 1 Jun 2013

Bio-composites update: Beyond eco-branding

No longer dependent only on their green credentials, some suppliers of bio-based fibers and resins are competing on price and performance.

Consumer 31 Dec 2012

An impec-able bike frame: Handmade by machine

Long on technology firsts, this optimized, automated manufacturing process produces nothing short of the “perfect” bike frame.

Weaving 31 Dec 2012

Next-generation braiding for next-gen bike

When Grenchen, Switzerland-based Bicycle Manufacturing Co. (BMC) decided to braid the tubes for its impec racing bike frame, the use of carbon fiber and the complex tube designs and shapes prompted the use of radial braiding technology from August Herzog Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG (Oldenburg, Germany)