Feature
Moving toward next-generation wind blade recycling
Suppliers, fabricators and OEMs across the composite wind blade supply chain ramp up existing technologies, develop better reclamation methods and design more recyclable wind blades.
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Cycling forward with bike frame materials and processes
Fine-tuning of conventional materials and processes characterizes today’s CFRP bicycle frame manufacturing, whether in the large factories of Asia or at reshored facilities in North America and Europe. Thermoplastic resins and automated processes are on the horizon, though likely years away from high-volume production levels.
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Sensors: Data for next-gen composites manufacturing
In the quest for sustainability, sensors are reducing cycle times, energy use and waste, automating closed-loop process control and increasing knowledge to open new possibilities for intelligent manufacturing and structures.
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Laser bondline inspection becomes reality
One of the Holy Grails of composites manufacturing has been reliable verification of adhesive bondline strength integrity. A technology that does just that has arrived.
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2021 CW Top Shops highlights strengths of top composites facilities
CW learned from some of this year’s designated Top Shops about what makes facilities stand out, from diverse capabilities to Industry 4.0 and sustainability.
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Hydrogen is poised to fuel composites growth, Part 2
Potential for Type IV composite tanks in H2 refueling stations and distribution, plus targeted cost reductions and emerging technologies for tank recertification and monitoring.
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Refrigerated railcar floor expands composites horizons
TrinityRail, in an effort to update a 20-year-old design, seizes the opportunity to apply composites in a structural application in its refrigerated railcar. It’s a first for the rail and composites industry.
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Hydrogen is poised to fuel composites growth, Part 1
Applications abound for composite tanks to store compressed H2 gas, but challenges exist in cost, size, efficiency and limited carbon fiber capacity.
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Out-of-autoclave VBO rear spar, thermoplastic ribs target Wing of Tomorrow
French Tier 1 aerospace supplier Daher develops out-of-autoclave materials and process technologies for application in next-gen structures for the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow program.
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Composites AM research targets wind energy
The U.S. DOE, universities and industry leaders ramp up new efforts and funding to develop 3D-printed composite wind blade molds and end-use blade components.
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