Bulk Molding Compound
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.
Read MoreAt 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Additives and modifiers: Matrix optimization
New and reengineered modifiers for thermosets and thermoplastics target previously elusive goals in composites processing and performance.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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