Composites Use in Consumer Products
The complexity and costs of design and manufacture with composite materials lend them well to structural applications like aircraft wings, boat hulls, and car bodies. However, one of the largest markets by volume for composites is consumer goods, including electronics, sporting goods, bathtubs and swimming pools, bicycles, recreational vehicles (RV) and more.
Latest Consumer Articles
VIEW ALLCarbitex Launches the Center for Better Flex Educational Hub Dedicated to Performance Footwear
Online resource from flexible carbon fiber materials innovator Carbitex aims to advance the understanding and improvements in flex, a low-engineered footwear property.
Read MoreIndustry shows successful integration of flax-linen, hemp fiber into advanced composites processes
Natural fiber composites are quickly emerging as serious contenders across demanding sectors, with proven use in filament winding, 3D printing, AFP and other automated processing techniques.
Read MoreAll Ahead Composites forms dual-leadership model to champion high-end cycling market
SNAPSHOT: Netzsch founder and CEO Dr. Alexander Chaloupka joins Christian Gemperlein, bringing extensive composites expertise to further establish the German company’s delivery of full value chain services.
Read MoreAustralian project to develop smart composite surfboard fins against shark attack rise
Embedded shark-deterrent tech in a composites-focused design is expected to combat shark attacks and maintain hydrodynamic performance, led by ACM CRC, Gowing Bros, UNSW and UoW.
Read MorePlant tour: Haddy, St. Petersburg, Fla., U.S.
The first LFAM microfactory using composites transforms supply chains, enables local manufacturing and circularity across industries.
WatchStack3d demonstrates composite LFAM proficiency with trade show booth furniture series
Functional and recyclable glass fiber-reinforced PETG booth elements are achieved through robotic pellet-extrusion technology.
Read MoreLatest Consumer News And Updates
Royal3D adapts DAC system inlet production to 3D printing process
Recycled glass fiber-reinforced PET-G and 3D printing expertise minimizes waste, reduces weight and lead times for Carbyon Go’s direct air capture (DAC) systems.
Read MoreMarvin opens Kansas City hub for fiberglass windows and doors
Additional manufacturing, fabrication and assembly facility prepares the company for its next stage of development.
Read MoreDyneema launches woven composite fabric with UHMWPE fiber
Dual-layer structure of Dyneema core with a fully woven Dyneema face fabric resists abrasion and wear, offering durability under significant load conditions and after prolonged use.
Read MoreCarbitex debuts colored carbon fiber textiles for footwear
The flexible composites partners with Hypetex Coloured Advanced Materials to introduce colored Omniflex, offering aesthetic innovation and high-performance characteristics for multiple industries.
Read MoreBcomp, Siux bring natural fiber composites to padel tennis
Flax fibers enter the court through Siux’s GEA padel racquets, delivering high-performance, well-balance sports equipment to a rapidly growing sports market.
Read MoreCarbitex, Blumaka composite insole tackles sport injury prevention
The Carbon Elite Insole combines Carbitex’s ability to provide dynamic flexibility and rigidity where needed with Blumaka’s nonslip insole to prevent initial injury and recurrence for athletes at all levels.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Composites end markets: Electronics (2025)
Electronic and smart device innovations achieved through the use of advanced materials ranging from thermoplastic composites to biomaterials emphasize high-volume production and sustainability.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Sports and recreation (2025)
The use of composite materials in high-performance sporting goods continues to grow, with new advancements including thermoplastic and sustainability-focused materials and automated processes.
Read MoreRepurposing wind blades as functional community art pieces
Ohio-based Canvus Inc. upcycles fiberglass wind blades, car tires and post-consumer plastics to create outdoor furniture that amplifies sustainability messages in community spaces.
WatchPlant tour: Arris Composites, Berkeley, Calif., U.S.
The creator of Additive Molding is leveraging automation and thermoplastics to provide high-volume, high-quality, sustainable composites manufacturing services.
Read MoreRunning shoe insoles get a lift with thermoplastic fiberglass tapes
FlexSpring insoles take advantage of unidirectional, continuous fiberglass and thermoplastics to enable next-level performance for the everyday runner.
Read MoreLighter, stronger, faster bionic hand aided by composites design
Psyonic’s touch-sensing prosthetic hand leverages bionic technology, 3D printing and a carbon fiber composite exterior for light weight, high strength and high-tech functionality.
WatchFAQ: Consumer
How are composites used in sporting goods?
Carbon fiber composite bicycle frames are the highest-profile application of composites in sporting goods – but they have also long been used in high-performance fishing rods, tennis rackets, skis, surfboards and more. Protective equipment such as helmets, or high-performance athletic shoes, can also be made with composite materials.
How are composites used in consumer electronics?
Composites are often used under the cover of consumer electronics, such as for components in circuit boards. Composites have also been trialed for lightweight, high-performance laptop and phone covers and other applications.
How are carbon fiber composite bikes manufactured?
Today, many carbon fiber composite bike frames are fabricated and shipped from fabricators in Asian countries, largely incorporating labor-intensive hand layup processes with carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy prepreg. Efforts are being made to develop more bicycle manufacturing in the U.S. and Europe, including more automated processes and thermoplastic materials, or even 3D printing.