Hybrid, large-format additive tooling: Lighter, faster, less costly molds for big parts
Additively manufactured cores, CFRP face skins produce large tools for prototype, low-volume aerostructure parts.
Peggy Malnati
Contributing Writer
AVK releases 2020 GRP annual market report
In the current year, the European glass fiber-reinforced plastics volume is expected to decrease by 12.7%, experiencing one of the sharpest declines since the crisis in 2008.
ATL Composites contributes to concrete pillar remediation project
Six new support pillars incorporate Hexcel ZU300 UD carbon fiber and ATL’s Technirez R2517 epoxy resin with H2431 slow hardener that will protect against storm water issues.
#adhesives #infrastructure
Teijin Aramid program produces bio-based, high-performance aramid fibers
The 2018 pilot program, in partnership with BioBTW, successfully produces Twaron yarn from bio-based aromatic materials without altering the material properties.
#aramidfiber #biomaterials #sustainability
SGL Carbon, Koller Kunststofftechnik manufacture composite windshield
Injection molded carbon fiber profiles for future BMW Group models cut 40% of weight compared to conventional steel construction and offer potential use in other automotive projects.
#bmw
Hybrid, large-format additive tooling: Lighter, faster, less costly molds for big parts
Additively manufactured cores, CFRP face skins produce large tools for prototype, low-volume aerostructure parts.
#workinprogress #pei #iacmi
Videos / Podcasts
CFP Composites announces global distributor network for carbon fiber tooling
The wide range of global distributor partnerships will provide short lead time deliveries, local knowledge and outstanding customer service.
Polestar announces production plans for natural composites-intensive BEV
The Precept battery electric vehicle, developed by Volvo’s Polestar brand, is said to feature Bcomp interior and exterior flax fiber composite panels.
#sustainability #electricvehicles
Symmetrix Composites, American Magic partner for America's Cup
Prepping the U.S. challenger for the 36th America’s Cup, Symmetrix applied its large format 5-axis CNC machine to produce the patterns and molds within sub-millimeter accuracy.
Altair named official supplier for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team
With the 36th America’s Cup yacht race approaching, Altair’s design platform has enabled a systematic and detailed approach to composite optimization for the racing team’s boat.
Braided preforms meet phase-change tooling
A program from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory adopts automated braiding and phase-change tooling for a complex geometry unmanned aircraft part.
#trends
Episode 34: Carmelo Lo Faro, Solvay Composite Materials
Carmelo Lo Faro, president of Solvay Composite Materials, talks about how he sees aerocomposites evolving in the time of COVID-19, the rise of computational power to evolve composites use, the prospects for increased composites use in the automotive market, and the increasing importance of education in the composites industry.
#nextgenaerospace #space #bmi
Natural fiber crash box design for motorsport
The natural fiber Front Impact Absorbing Structure (FIAS) prototype showed desired crash behavior and eradication of sharp splintering, proving it as an alternative to carbon fiber in motorsport applications.
#sustainability
Composites meet precision, weight goals for complex facade design
Brazilian fabricator Gatron manufactured 3,000 square meters of curved composite frames to support a 33-floor residential building.
#application
AVK releases 2020 GRP annual market report
In the current year, the European glass fiber-reinforced plastics volume is expected to decrease by 12.7%, experiencing one of the sharpest declines since the crisis in 2008.
ATL Composites contributes to concrete pillar remediation project
Six new support pillars incorporate Hexcel ZU300 UD carbon fiber and ATL’s Technirez R2517 epoxy resin with H2431 slow hardener that will protect against storm water issues.
#adhesives #infrastructure
Teijin Aramid program produces bio-based, high-performance aramid fibers
The 2018 pilot program, in partnership with BioBTW, successfully produces Twaron yarn from bio-based aromatic materials without altering the material properties.
#aramidfiber #biomaterials #sustainability
SGL Carbon, Koller Kunststofftechnik manufacture composite windshield
Injection molded carbon fiber profiles for future BMW Group models cut 40% of weight compared to conventional steel construction and offer potential use in other automotive projects.
#bmw
AVK announces winners of 2020 Innovation Awards
Several sustainable composite innovations were recognized and awarded in the Innovative Products/Applications, Innovative Processes and Research and Science categories.
#automation
ElectraFly, AnalySwift win U.S. Air Force STTR grants
Winning concept proposals include CBAM fabrication of aircraft parts, use of an infusion process for larger parts and development of an integrated computational blade engineering (ICBE) framework.
Carbon fiber in pressure vessels for hydrogen
The emerging H2 economy drives tank development for aircraft, ships and gas transport.
#aramidfiber #airbus #nextgenaerospace
NEW PRODUCTS: REINFORCEMENTS
Lanxess thermoplastic material targets high flame-retardant properties
Tepex continuous-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites variants with a PA6 matrix are certified as UL 94 V-0 and retain a high degree of strength, rigidity and energy absorption.
Techsil, Panacol offer Vitralit adhesive for filament winding
The transparent one-component epoxy adhesive and curing system is ideal for carbon fiber or glass fiber filament winding.
#adhesives
Borealis highlights polypropylene technology for flexible automotive design
Fibremod, the customized carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene material ensures reduced weight, cost savings and design flexibility.
Contact-less microsensor targets real-time NDT for composite structures
RVmagnetics’ MicroWire self-monitors composite structures via embedding during the production process. It improves safety, control and real-time data for predictive maintenance.
PRF Composite Materials introduces unidirectional glass prepreg
The unidirectional (UD) glass prepreg provides good results for UD carbon and glass fibers, as well as woven fabrics in PRF epoxy prepreg systems.
Kraibon elastomer improves adhesion and composite material properties
Gummiwerk KRAIBURG’s elastomer product protects against impact, directly adheres to materials, improves damping properties and more.
#adhesives