Work In Progress Column
Composite helicopter "monolage" modernizes private rotorcraft production
The Hill Helicopters’ fully composite structure HX50 rotorcraft uses oven consolidation and splice joining for a cost-effective, lightweight fuselage.
Stewart Mitchell
Contributing Writer
Electromagnetically transparent GFRP rotor for rare earth magnet-free electric motors
A research consortium within the Baden-Württemberg’s ICM research cluster has created a prototype GFRP wireless power transfer electric motor rotor.
Read MoreIndustrializing rapid tape shearing for high-rate, 3D composite structures
ICOMAT’s first RTS factory creates preforms in 5 minutes for parts with -65% weight, higher strength and damage tolerance for wingskins, spars, fuselage, space tanks, auto chassis and more.
Read MoreUltrasonic welding for in-space manufacturing of CFRTP
Agile Ultrasonics and NASA trial robotic-compatible carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic ultrasonic welding technology for space structures.
Read MoreRevolutionizing space composites: A new era of satellite materials
A new approach for high volumes of small satellite structures uses low-CTE, low-cost CFRP cellular core, robust single-ply skins and modular panel systems to cut lead time, labor and cost for reflectors, solar arrays and more.
Read MoreAerospace prepregs with braided reinforcement demonstrate improved production rates, cost
A recent time study compares the layup of a wing spar using prepreg with A&P’s TX-45 continuous braided reinforcement versus traditional twill woven prepreg.
Read MoreASCEND program completion: Transforming the U.K.'s high-rate composites manufacturing capability
GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K. partners chart the final chapter of the 4-year, £39.6 million ASCEND program, which accomplished significant progress in high-rate production, Industry 4.0 and sustainable composites manufacturing.
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Custom FR epoxy, hybrid glass/carbon fiber composites enable massive mosque ceiling expansion
Premier Composite Technologies delivered more than 25,000 FRP sandwich panels to massive Great Mosque of Mecca expansion, meeting weight, fire and 10,000 units/month goals.
Hannah Mason
Technical Editor, CompositesWorld
PUR composite sandwich panels for 3D automotive parts, high-volume panels and more
At its U.S. sites, Ascorium produces glass fiber/PUR 3D parts via semi-automated molding, high-volume flat panels via a continuous line while working toward bio-based PUR and recycling.
Read MoreEvolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.
Read MoreBladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.
Read MoreComposite SIPs for more affordable, efficient and sustainable buildings
LiteSIP panels and modules enable framing in days, cutting structural labor and total cost by up to 70% and 30%, respectively, while increasing energy efficiency and durability.
Read MoreStreamlining aerospace composites operations with RFID tracking
Tier 1 Sekisui Aerospace’s implementation of RFID tracking, sensors and Xemelgo software at two of its production facilities led to increased productivity, eliminating bottlenecks and reducing labor costs.
Read MoreCo-molding SMC with braided glass fiber demonstrates truck bed potential
Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.
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Hybrid composite architecture enables rigid wind propulsion solution for maritime decarbonization
GT Wings’ AirWing leverages aerospace engineering principles combined with hybrid glass and carbon fiber composite construction to deliver up to 30% fuel savings through compact, deck-compatible wind propulsion.
Stewart Mitchell
Contributing Writer
Low-cost, efficient CFRP anisogrid lattice structures
CIRA uses patented parallel winding, dry fiber, silicone tooling and resin infusion to cut labor for lightweight, heavily loaded space applications.
Read MoreUltra-thin woven fabric enables 90% resource reduction in satellite solar array manufacturing
Kerberos Engineering uses TeXtreme 0/90 woven fabrics for satellite solar array manufacturing, cutting weight and onboard resources, enhancing structural integrity and streamlining production.
Read MoreActive core molding: A new way to make composite parts
Koridion expandable material is combined with induction-heated molds to make high-quality, complex-shaped parts in minutes with 40% less material and 90% less energy, unlocking new possibilities in design and production.
Read MoreLaser-excited acoustics provide contact-free, nondestructive composites inspection
Xarion’s couplant-free NDT technology uses laser physics and a membrane-free optical microphone, eliminating the requirement for fluid coupling, widening the scope for NDT technology.
Read MoreReinforcing hollow, 3D printed parts with continuous fiber composites
Spanish startup Reinforce3D’s continuous fiber injection process (CFIP) involves injection of fibers and liquid resin into hollow parts made from any material. Potential applications include sporting goods, aerospace and automotive components, and more.
Read MoreFilament winding increases access to high-performance composite prostheses
Steptics industrializes production of CFRP prostheses, enabling hundreds of parts/day and 50% lower cost.
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Oligomer polymer engineering transforms 100% recyclable thermoplastic composite paradigms
MET-OL thermoplastic technology alters high molecular weight polybutylene terephthalate into low-viscosity oligomers, enhancing fiber impregnation and catalytic repolymerization for fully recyclable, high-performance composites.
Stewart Mitchell
Contributing Writer
Automated robotic NDT enhances capabilities for composites
Kineco Kaman Composites India uses a bespoke Fill Accubot ultrasonic testing system to boost inspection efficiency and productivity.
Read MoreMeasuring energy use to enable sustainable composites production
Airbus subsidiary CTC uses new technology to measure energy use in machine components and processes to optimize equipment, production lines and guide decisions for future composites.
Read MoreDemonstrator project targets circularity solutions in carbon fiber composite sports equipment
The Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance (CFCA) brought together OEMs and technical partners to reclaim short carbon fibers from end-of-life sports equipment, realign into continuous prepreg tapes and remanufacture into new equipment.
Read MoreUpdate: THOR project for industrialized, recyclable thermoplastic composite tanks for hydrogen storage
A look into the tape/liner materials, LATW/recycling processes, design software and new equipment toward commercialization of Type 4.5 tanks.
Read MoreInnovation in ultrasonic inspection and nondestructive testing
With increasingly complex structural components working their way into aerospace programs, the need for versatility in inspection and testing capabilities is growing.
Read MoreManufacturing tech for scalable Type V hydrogen tank fabrication, CFRP lifecycle management
Cygnet Texkimp’s Multi Roll Stack and composite recycling technology catalyze ASCEND program’s mission to optimize aerospace, automotive hydrogen storage and CFRP sustainability.
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