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
Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld
EuReComp team highlights ROCCA Cabin demonstrator for EOL composites
The ROCCA Cabin serves as a proof of concept for how large composite parts, often destined for disposal, can re-enter the value chain as architectural elements with both functional and aesthetic value.
Read MoreTidal turbine project builds double-sided, 3D printed composite tool for blade development
Collaborative project with Thermwood successfully prints 2-meter-long tidal turbine blade mold in days versus months, with the now-manufactured hybrid blade in testing and extended trials.
Read MoreILCA, Greenboats chart environmentally responsible one-design dinghy racing
Organization ILCA is pairing up with natural fiber innovators like Greenboats to reduce environmental footprint while maintaining the class’ strict one-design principles.
Read MoreAptera Motors initiates validation line for BinC solar electric vehicle
Next step toward scaled, repeatable manufacturing will support everything from materials handling to final fit and finish.
Read MoreAirbus Helicopters France aims to adopt Airborne composites automation
Automated ply placement (APP) and Kit by Light (KBL) will be applied to ramp up productivity of the factory’s composite helicopter blades and hub structures for Airbus helicopter models.
Read MoreREFRESH project successfully produces wind blade section from recovered fibers
Laboratory testing has shifted to a real component, which partly consists of recovered glass fibers recovered from other EOL wind blades.
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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
Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld
PHOEBUS project makes progress on CFRP liquid oxygen, hydrogen upper stage tanks
The ESA project has proven that linerless CFRP tanks for Ariane 6 rocket can handle the extreme temperatures of liquid H2 and O2, and are moving on to testing campaign for 2-meter and 3.5-meter tanks in 2026.
Read MoreExxonMobil installs Proxxima resin system-based MST-Bar at own plastics plant in Mont Belvieu
Approximately 40,000 linear feet of Proxxima GFRP rebar was shipped and installed in three weeks to reinforce the plant’s heavily used roads, a display of confidence in ExxonMobil’s own product.
Read MoreFabrum, AMSL Aero and Stralis Aircraft successfully fill LH2 composite aviation tanks
Australian/New Zealand team makes significant step forward in the transition to zero-emission aviation.
Read MoreDLR rocket flight in ATHEAt program demonstrates CMC nose, movable body flaps
Successful flight tests heat-resistant components and innovative sensor technologies.
Read MoreCycle Inspect announces carbon fiber NDT certification program purpose-built for cycling industry
Full certification targets bicycle MRO professionals, offering comprehensive composite material theory, UT and inspection training that aligns with ASNT standards.
Read MoreAirbus, Leonardo and Thales forge leading European space player
An MOU will combine their space systems and services activities into a joint venture expected to launch in 2027, with pooled expertise, an annual turnover of ~€6.5 billion and ~25,000 employees.
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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
EVP, Content, CompositesWorld
Uplift360, Leonardo partnership turns EOL composite rotor blade into prototype drone arm
ChemR process successfully repurposes carbon fibers into a structural component, turning waste into a more secure, domestic resource for the U.K.
Read MoreSafran invests €350 million in Moroccan industrial LEAP engine footprint scale-up, extensions
Between 2026-2027, Safran begins construction for two LEAP engine MRO facilities, a LEAP-1A assembly line and expansion of three existing sites.
Read MoreExel Composites plant in India begins volume shipments of carbon fiber wind energy components
Joint venture Kineco Exel Composites India has reached full-scale production at the Banda facility, which is now shipping IEC 61400-5-certified flats, joiners and bolt fixtures to support major wind OEMs.
Read MoreAward-winning Oder river bridge cuts 500 tons of steel with CFRP tension cables
Developed by Carbo-Link and tested by Empa, the Oder Bridge near Küstrin is a heavy rail bridge using 88 CFRP tension members, enabling 120 km/hr train speeds with reduced weight and emissions.
Read MoreF1 team debuts bio-based carbon fiber on W16 rear wheel shields
The technically performant components outfitting the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s race car were developed using Syensqo resin with 30% bio-based materials.
Read MoreMel Composites materials, technical support enhances Aresa fishing vessel production efficiency
Mel delivered pre-processed structural components and engineering support for the four commercial vessels, reducing build time through workflow optimization and CNC-cut Aircell HR80 core integration.
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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
Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld
Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2025)
H2 economy is set back by Trump policies, tariffs and funding pivot to defense and AI, but composite tanks remain a key segment with sales in CNG/RNG, growth in New Space and potential for H2-electric aviation.
Read MoreFAA reinstates partial certification authority to Boeing after safety review
As of Sept. 29, 2025, the FAA will allow Boeing limited authority to issue airworthiness certificates for some 737 Max and 787 jets following a strict and detailed safety and quality review.
Read MoreAvient, FSJ Tactical advance ballistic-rated composite wall panels
Fiberglass-reinforced ThermoBallistic panels for facility protection applications are capable of encapsulating projectiles and preventing harmful deflection and ricochet.
Read MoreMSP CNC metrology cuts Leonardo tiltrotor blade production time from 20 weeks to 3 days
Advanced manufacturing metrology demonstrates its prowess in addressing complex composite machining issues, increasing Leonardo’s carbon fiber part productivity by more than 4,500%, and eliminating scrap and fixture reliance.
Read MoreMaruHachi Corp. to develop CFRTP cryogenic rocket fuel tank
MaruHachi is selected by the Japanese government’s Space Strategic Fund, commencing joint development with University of Tokyo and Kanazawa Institute of Technology/ICC.
Read MoreSABIC composite hybrid battery cover enhances EV safety, efficiency
SABIC collaborated with Engel, Siebenwurst, Forward Engineering, Ensinger and Envalior to develop a thermoplastic composite EV battery cover, combining strong structural performance, flame retardancy and design efficiency.
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