Trends in Composites Manufacturing
CIRA qualifies CMC structures for the reusable Space Rider
Italian team designs, builds and tests multiple large, complex thermal protection system structures made from patented ISiComp C/C-SiC ceramic matrix composites.
Ginger Gardiner
Executive Editor, CompositesWorld
NIOSH Study Measures Graphene Exposures in U.S., Sets Preliminary Benchmark
NIOSH study of exposures at 11 graphene producers and users in U.S. results in proposed limit, recommends composites sector receive nanocarbons embedded in masterbatch vs. handling dry nanopowder directly.
Read MoreRocket Lab to Acquire Iridium, Form a Fully Vertically Integrated U.S. Space Entity
The $8 billion deal merges launch, satellites, spectrum and global communications capabilities into an end-to-end space company that will unlock new markets.
Read MoreBell completes first two wing structures for MV-75 Cheyenne
Lessons learned underpin Bell’s successful fabrication and assembly of the tiltrotor’s composite wing skins and spars and tailored aluminum substructure.
Read MoreBMW X5 enters final test phase, prepares for 2026-2028 series rollout
The BMW X5 is completing final calibration drives prior to production, with iX5 EV and iX5 Hydrogen versions to follow featuring a high-voltage battery and CFRP tanks in the iX5.
Read MorePulPro-SMC project achieves weld-free composite rail vehicle joints in single pressing step
SNAPSHOT: Three-year R&D collaboration led by HÖRMANN Vehicle Engineering has demonstrated a pultrusion-SMC bonding method that eliminates separate joining hardware and reduces weight by 20% versus conventional steel construction.
Read MoreCWS Computed Wing Sail completes full-scale Airfin350 rigid wing prototype test campaign
SNAPSHOT: The 40-meter CFRP folding wing sail, developed for cargo ship decarbonization, has entered real conditions testing at Nantes-Saint Nazaire Port ahead of a first commercial installation.
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FIDAMC expands composites R&D into new markets and advanced manufacturing centers
Pioneering technocenter advances RTM, thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing, microwire, novel lighter weight LSP and more.
Ginger Gardiner
Executive Editor, CompositesWorld
Acciona, Bolero Surf create surfboard fins from recycled wind turbine blades
The collaboration debuted fins made from 100% recycled wind turbine fiberglass at a 2026 Australian surfing competition, demonstrating a circular end-of-life pathway for decommissioned material.
Read MoreHonda hits milestone with successful first eVTOL aircraft flight
Japanese automaker heads toward full-scale validation phase after the conducted flight of its full-scale eight-rotor demonstrator, dubbed F1.
Read MoreComposite liquid hydrogen tanks without carbon fiber
Fabrum has 20 years of experience with composites in superconductive systems, has proven its patented triple-skin tanks in fast fill plus containment with 20+ hours of idle time, and continues toward certification.
Read MoreSeaRush project takes 3D printed USV testbed from concept to sea in 5-month timeframe
SNAPSHOT: Collaborative Dutch ecosystem integrates a range of new technologies to develop and test scalable, affordable and rapidly produced USVs for future marine operation.
Read MoreCambium composites are launched into space via USCRPL rocket
Boattail component delivery helped USCRPL’s Daybreak rocket reach space, marking the first U.S. student team to launch and recover a rocket as a space payload provider.
Read MoreNH3Craft project yields seaworthy composite tanks for ammonia storage
Connova Deutschland has developed the glass fiber-wound Type 4 vessels as a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative to steel tank systems for the maritime sector’s shift toward fossil-free fuels.
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Paris Air Show 2023 highlights
The Paris Air Show, one of the largest aerospace trade shows in the world, returned for the first time since 2019 and proved that the global aviation industry industry is very much alive and kicking.
Jeff Sloan
Former EVP of Content, CompositesWorld
Strata Syensqo joint venture in Al Ain demonstrates large-scale aerocomposites production success
Manufacturing milestone guided by UAE production localization efforts and a highly skilled workforce produce materials for Boeing 777X program test components.
Read MoreRWTH Aachen University uses filament winding alone for pressure vessel dome reinforcement
Researchers at ITA are exploring hybrid winding layer using sticky towpregs to provide local dome reinforcement in composite pressure vessels without additional machines, tool changes or fiber cutting operations
Read MoreDOE-funded researchers developing high-throughput, low-cost carbon fiber
The Carbon Fiber Design project aims to develop, and scale up with commercial partners, fibers with noncircular geometry optimized to meet compression performance needed for wind and other industries.
Read MoreBpreg Composites natural fibers prove industrial readiness on reECONIC EV concept vehicle
SNAPSHOT: Automotive project, demonstrating recycled, natural and bio-based materials, includes interior UD thermoplastic prepregs with mass-scale production protential.
Read MoreInternational Composites Summit builds momentum for 2026 event
This complementary composites-focused event is expanding in scale in ambition, with growing sponsor and partner engagement promoting a platform built to support real business outcomes.
Read MoreGA-EMS industrializing SiC/SiC and other CMC via MAITrX facility
Developing materials used across General Atomics, this lab is onshoring nuclear-grade SiC fiber, innovating SiC foam and promoting collaboration to accelerate CMC production and commercialization.
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Microwave heating for more sustainable carbon fiber
Skeptics say it won’t work — Osaka-based Microwave Chemical Co. says it already has — and continues to advance its simulation-based technology to slash energy use and emissions in manufacturing.
Ginger Gardiner
Executive Editor, CompositesWorld
Roundhouse Surf develops, tests BioFibix nonwoven flax composites in surfboard prototypes
SNAPSHOT: Two Hypermat-focused surfboards with different construction methods and tested in real conditions provide valuable performance, integration feedback to BioFibix.
Read MoreBell V-280 Valor tiltrotor is formally designated the MV-75 Cheyenne II
Army-chosen future long range assault aircraft (FLRAA) takes on Bell Textron’s V-280 Valor technology demonstrator aircraft design, comprising CFRP propellers, wings and airframe.
Read MoreCarbon ThreeSixty TFP-developed aerodynamic wheel covers are ready to support road vehicles
SNAPSHOT: From the factory floor to the finish line, the company’s work optimizing vehicle wheel covers has evolved into this bio-inspired, carbon fiber design with reduced ply count and a 223% stiffness increase.
Read MoreConnova supplies high-precision CFRP components for the Giant Magellan Telescope
Swiss composite specialist Connova AG develops ultra-stable, zero-expansion CFRP mirror mounts for the G-CLEF spectrograph of the upcoming Giant Magellan Telescope.
Read MoreCrashworthy fuselage, tail designs for H2 aircraft using thermoplastic composites
SNAPSHOT: NLR works in Airbus-led Clean Aviation project to demonstrate hydrogen tank integration, double-hinged rudder designs, induction welding and faster NDI.
Read MoreHyke GFRP electric urban ferry demonstrates 8X efficiency versus diesel
The F-15 electric ferry cut energy use by up to 88%, eliminated direct emissions and improved transport efficiency in Fredrikstad’s public transport pilot.
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