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Markets See All

8 May 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
NIAR adds flight test facility for eVTOL aircraft testing
In addition to providing a controlled environment for conducting restrained eVTOL aircraft operation, NIAR provides material development and other testing options.

7 May 2024 Pressure Vessels
Hexagon Purus reports all-time high quarterly revenue, up 67% over Q1 2023
Type 4 CFRP cylinder manufacturer continues ramp-up, with H2 infrastructure up 38% and H2 mobility up 213% year over year while momentum continues in aerospace applications.

29 Apr 2024 Pressure Vessels
Hexagon Ragasco launches Linktra Smart cylinders in Norway
Fiberglass pressure vessels with IoT provide real-time insight into refilling needs for LPG consumers.

29 Apr 2024 Filament Winding
Com&Sens presents workshop on fiber optic sensing for COPVs
Three-day hands-on workshop from June 11-13 in Leuven, Belgium, will equip participants with a better understanding of fiber optic sensing technology for digital manufacturing of composite tanks.

26 Apr 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
Beta’s Alia eVTOL achieves piloted transition flight
Full transition from VTOL hover, to wing-borne cruise, and back to hover, prepares Beta for next steps in progressing its aircraft platforms.

22 Apr 2024 Trends
NPROXX powers up H2 tank production with move to Alsdorf facility
Tripled space and capacity to potentially grow composite tank production to 30,000+ tanks/year, equipment investments enable manufacturer to handle larger orders, streamline operations.
Design & Tooling See All

2 May 2024 Aerospace
NCC leads composites manufacturing phase of eXtra wing demonstrator
Key structural elements for a 6-meter section of the Airbus biomimetic wing were undertaken by NCC engineering specialists to produce 28 one-off flying parts.

12 Apr 2024 Automation
Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.

12 Apr 2024 Molds/Tools
Century Tool investment boosts efficiency, capability in tooling for composites
Designer and builder of compression molds for composite structures installs seven-axis CNC deep-hole drilling and milling machine to improve productivity.

6 Mar 2024 Additive Manufacturing
Massivit, Sika to co-brand digital tooling materials for Massivit 10000 series
Strategic MOU initially introduces SikaBiresin CIM 120 and SikaBiresin CIM 80 to serve crucial composites market needs for 3D printing tooling, prototyping and more.

5 Mar 2024 Additive Manufacturing
Belotti to integrate hybrid BEAD system with Adaxis AdaOne software
Through this strategic collaboration, BEAD’s additive and subtractive capabilities for large-scale AM composite tooling production are made more accessible.

28 Feb 2024 Automation
Plyable releases AI-powered mold design tool
Plyable continues to rid composites engineers of workflow bottlenecks through an end-to-end automated system — from mold design to quotation to manufacturing fulfillment.
Materials See All

8 May 2024 Composites 4.0
Aitiip concludes HELACS project with waterjet cutting demonstration
Novel platform involving digital twin and human-robot collaboration succeeded in cutting a component from the 19th section of an A350 wing, highlighting its ability to enable composite structure recycling.

7 May 2024 Aerospace
MFFD longitudinal seams welded, world's largest CFRTP fuselage successfully completed
Fraunhofer IFAM and partners have completed left and right welds connecting the upper and lower fuselage halves and sent the 8×4-meter full-scale section to ZAL for integration with a cabin crown module and testing.

6 May 2024 Additive Manufacturing
Large-volume VFGF extrusion printer facilitates modular composite cockpit
Queen 1 system from Q.Big 3D produced complete cockpit assembly of a full flight simulator in a little more than a month, enabling fast build speeds, high surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

3 May 2024 Natural Fibers
Business incubator Chemovator invests in Heartland’s natural fiber additives
The Michigan company, producing hemp-based natural fiber materials, is the latest addition to Chemovator’s program supporting early stage startups in the chemical industry.

3 May 2024 Glass Fibers
Dutch partnership constructs 3D printed composite pedestrian bridges
Engineering consulting firm Royal HaskoningDHV and partners achieved a bridge design made of 30% fiberglass and 70% waste.

1 May 2024 Carbon Fibers
Exel pull-wound composites enable Flying Whales airship design
State-of-the-art VTOL rigid airship, to take 80 kilometers of thin-wall carbon fiber tubes, will function like an airborne crane for transporting cargo in remote areas.
Processes See All

9 May 2024 Additive Manufacturing
CEAD, AES kick off U.S. symposium highlighting LFAM ecosystem
Demonstrations of the CEAD Flexbot print cell and industry presentations presented the emerging options in 3D printing for polymers, composites more at AES’ Akron facility.

8 May 2024 Composites 4.0
Aitiip concludes HELACS project with waterjet cutting demonstration
Novel platform involving digital twin and human-robot collaboration succeeded in cutting a component from the 19th section of an A350 wing, highlighting its ability to enable composite structure recycling.

7 May 2024 Bonding/Welding
MFFD longitudinal seams welded, world's largest CFRTP fuselage successfully completed
Fraunhofer IFAM and partners have completed left and right welds connecting the upper and lower fuselage halves and sent the 8×4-meter full-scale section to ZAL for integration with a cabin crown module and testing.

6 May 2024 Additive Manufacturing
Large-volume VFGF extrusion printer facilitates modular composite cockpit
Queen 1 system from Q.Big 3D produced complete cockpit assembly of a full flight simulator in a little more than a month, enabling fast build speeds, high surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

29 Apr 2024 Composites 4.0
Com&Sens presents workshop on fiber optic sensing for COPVs
Three-day hands-on workshop from June 11-13 in Leuven, Belgium, will equip participants with a better understanding of fiber optic sensing technology for digital manufacturing of composite tanks.

26 Apr 2024 Trends
UMaine’s novel polymer 3D printer surpasses former Guinness World Record
Four times larger than its 2019 predecessor, Factory of the Future 1.0 offers new opportunities in composite materials, including development of recycled and bio-based materials, opening up new research frontiers.
Composites 101 See All

20 Feb 2024 Thermoplastics
Composites end markets: Electronics (2024)
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.

25 Aug 2023 Composites Basics
Celebrating 30 years of CompositesWorld, Part 1
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.

21 Jul 2023 Troubleshooter
The basics of composite drawing interpretation
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.

27 Jan 2023 Molds/Tools
Proper application of semi-permanent mold release systems
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.

9 Jan 2023 Market Outlook
Composites end markets: Aerospace (2023)
With COVID in the past and passengers flying again, commercial aircraft production is ramping up. The aerocomposites supply chain is busy developing new M&P for an approaching next-generation aircraft program.

29 Dec 2022 Automotive
Composites end markets: Automotive (2023)
Electrification and a focus on sustainability lead to opportunities and innovations in composites, from battery enclosures to structural components and more.
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Webinars See All

16 May 2024
Beyond Kinetic Models: Innovative Pathways to Boost Production Efficiency
After having established a strong foundation in kinetic models in a previous webinar, part two delves into the exciting realm of machine learning and its transformative potential for composite manufacturing. While kinetic models have served the industry well, the growing complexity of composite manufacturing demands more sophisticated approaches. In this session, sensXPERT will explore innovative pathways to supercharge your production efficiency and enhance sustainability beyond the limits of traditional models. See how machine learning empowers composite manufacturers to achieve unprecedented accuracy in predicting key production parameters such as temperature, pressure and cure time. This translates to reduced cycle times and waste while increasing production throughput to maximize efficiency. SensXPERT will provide concrete examples and case studies demonstrating how to bridge the gap between meticulously-controlled laboratory experiments and the realities of the production floor, overcoming the limitations of kinetic models. Agenda: Define machine learning, its applications and their impact on composite manufacturing Explore real-world case studies in diverse composites manufacturing applications and how they exploit integration options Correlation analysis: uncovering hidden relationships between process parameters and product outcomes Time series analysis: forecasting production trends Anomaly detection: identifying irregularities

6 Jun 2024
Redefining Laser Projection in Composites Manufacturing
Discover the latest innovation in laser projection technology poised to increase accuracy, efficiency and reliability. LAP will unveil the features of its new CAD-PRO Xpert laser projection system and outline how various industries can benefit from the system's capabilities. Its cutting-edge technology platform empowers users with enhanced color range, speed and superior laser projection quality while increasing accuracy, efficiency and reliability. Explore how the advanced ergonomics of this system can reshape composite manufacturing processes across industries, ranging from aerospace and automotive to wind rotor blade production, yacht building and beyond. Agenda: Introduction of the features of the CAD-PRO Xpert Applications and advantages across industries Upgrading workplaces for enhanced digital worker guidance Modular system solutions based on the value-adding ecosystem

12 Jun 2024
Introduction of Automotive-Matured Technologies for High-Rate Aerospace Applications
KraussMaffei will explain in-situ polyurethane (PUR) overmolding of injection-molded and composite parts and the development of this technology over the last decade. Waruna Seneviratne, director of the Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS), will discuss how aerospace and advanced air mobility (AAM) markets can capitalize on this high-rate manufacturing solution. Agenda: What is ColorForm: process, equipment and tooling Pros and cons of the technology High technology solution examples: ColorForm automotive Market references in automotive Demand for future commercial aviation and both AAM and urban air mobility (UAM) What aerospace can learn from automotive for addressing demand for high-rate manufacturing Technological advances enabling material and process improvements for the future Role of ATLAS manufacturing innovation center for promoting advanced manufacturing and workforce development Road map for certification through manufacturing demonstrations

On Demand
The Keys to High-Performance Composites: Semi-Finished Goods
As part three of the webinar series about composites manufacturing processes, this webinar will focus on the two main processes to manufacture semi-finished goods and the composites resulting from it: sheet molding compounding (SMC) and prepreg technology. This presentation will briefly highlight the advantages and challenges. The main part of the webinars will showcase product recommendations from Evonik's portfolio and how they can be used to enhance the performance of the final composite materials to meet the requirements from the automotive, aerospace and sporting goods industries.

On Demand
Strain Measurement for Composite Testing
In this webinar, Instron will discuss the different solutions for strain measurement on composite materials, such as: strain gauges, clip-on extensometers, video extensometers and digital image correlation (DIC). It will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and when you might prefer one method over another. Agenda: Brief introduction to composite materials and properties Strain measurement techniques for coupon testing Examples of strain measurement for various test types including: in-plane tensile, compression, through thickness and v-notch shear

On Demand
The Keys to High-Performance Composites: Continuous Processes
As part two of the webinar series about composites manufacturing processes, this webinar will focus on the continuous processes in the manufacturing of composite materials: filament winding, pultrusion and a combination of both. This presentation will briefly give an overview of both processes, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. You'll discover the product recommendations from Evonik's portfolio for these processes, including how they can be used to enhance the performance of the final composite materials. This webinar will conclude with an outlook on the various applications including infrastructure, marine and transportation.

9 May 2024 New & Upcoming
Honeycomb for Aerospace Structures Register Now
Events See All

5 Jun 2024
ILA Berlin
ILA Berlin brings the world's aerospace industry to the center of Europe every two years - next time from June 5 to 9, 2024.

11 Jun 2024
JEC Forum Southeast Asia
The JEC Forum Southeast Asia is an event organised by JEC The JEC Forum Southeast Asia is organised on June 11 and 12, 2024, by JEC, in partnership with the Thai Composites Association (TCA), bringing together the composite materials community in Southeast Asia.

19 Jun 2024
SAMPE China

25 Jun 2024
Graphene Conference 2024
The 14th edition of the Graphene Conference will take place June 25-28, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. The international gathering includes thematic workshops, B2B networking and an Industrial Forum that dives into a variety of topics, including the latest developments in graphene production methods towards wide scale commercialization and examples of graphene in electronics, energy storage, aerospace and barrier applications.

17 Jul 2024
PU China/UTECH Asia

4 Sep 2024
International Composites Summit 2024
The International Composites Summit (ICS) is renowned as the only solely focused UK event for professionals involved in the composites industry. ICS promises to be a unique platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and exploring the latest advancements in composite materials internationally, bringing people together to do business.

20 May 2024 New & Upcoming
SAMPE 2024 Register Now
Suppliers See All

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Whitepapers See All

10 Jan 2024
Jetcam addresses the economic importance of efficient material nesting
Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.

8 Jan 2024
Arris Composites demonstrates advantages of natural fibers applied with Additive Molding
Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.

27 Dec 2023
Cevotec white paper presents novel approach for H2 tank production
Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.

23 Nov 2023
KCARBON and KIST develop lyocell/PLA/wood biocomposites
Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.

1 Nov 2023
Exel Composites releases guide for design considerations in composite tubes
The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.

21 Jul 2023
UAMMI white paper addresses composites recycling in Utah
Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.
Articles See All

26 Apr 2024 RTM
Designing an infused, two-piece composite baseball bat
With its Icon BBCOR bat, Rawlings leveraged its experience in braided fabrics and RTM to create an optimized, higher-performance two-piece design.

24 Apr 2024 RTM
From the CW Archives: The life and death of the BMW i3
A look back at the ambitious and impressive composites production system BMW developed for production of the all-electric i3 EV.

24 Apr 2024 Carbon Fibers
Aviation-specific battery system uses advanced composites to address electric, hybrid flight
BOLDair’s composite enclosure, compression structures and thermal runaway management enables high-performance electric energy storage.

19 Apr 2024 Fastening/Finishing
Creating a composite battery insert-stud solution for EV trucks
Bossard worked with an OEM and Tier supplier team to meet tight electrical insulation and packaging tolerances while reducing tooling, molding and assembly costs.

19 Apr 2024 Sustainability
JEC World 2024 highlights: Forwarding initiatives surrounding sustainability and mobility
Themes at the forefront of JEC World 2024 included solutions for mobility applications and sustainable materials, technologies and processes for composites manufacturing.

18 Apr 2024 Electric Vehicles
Composites end markets: Batteries and fuel cells (2024)
As the number of battery and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs) grows, so do the opportunities for composites in battery enclosures and components for fuel cells.

1 May 2024 Editorial
Looking at composites through the lens of U.S. history
Sustainability See All

19 Apr 2024 JEC
JEC World 2024 highlights: Forwarding initiatives surrounding sustainability and mobility
Themes at the forefront of JEC World 2024 included solutions for mobility applications and sustainable materials, technologies and processes for composites manufacturing.

9 Apr 2024 Lifecycle Analysis
JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more
CW technical editor Hannah Mason discusses trends seen at this year’s JEC World trade show, including sustainability-focused technologies and commitments, the Paris Olympics amongst other topics.

28 Mar 2024 Sustainability
Forvia moves toward more sustainable automotive composites manufacturing
Automotive technology supplier Forvia shares sustainability goals and recent developments aimed at bio-based and recycled materials and ramping up hydrogen tank production for clean mobility.

27 Mar 2024 Sustainability
4 things to consider for sustainable composites manufacturing
Customer decarbonization goals demand supply chains with sustainable business practices. Here are four considerations for supporting those goals discussed at CW Tech Days: Sustainability.

25 Mar 2024 Sensors
Measuring 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.

20 Mar 2024 Sustainability
Novel DITF composite material enables CO2-negative construction
Three materials — bio-based carbon fibers, natural stone and biochar — act as an alternative to reinforced concrete in a house wall demonstrator in the DACCUS-Pre project.

28 Apr 2024 Sustainability
Watch: A practical view of sustainability in composites product development
Knowledge Centers

Sensors for Composite Processing

Closed Molding Knowledge Center
Closed mold processes offer many advantages over open molding. This knowledge center details the basics of closed mold methods and the products and tools essential to producing a part correctly.

The Now and Next in Composites

CompositesWorld Collections
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

Automated Composites
In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.

Sustainability
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
CW Tech Days

Composites in Infrastructure and Construction
CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

Composites in Advanced Air Mobility
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

Thermoplastics for Large Structures
Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Sustainability in Composites Manufacturing
Explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
Collections See All

Composites in Hydrogen Storage
A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.

Recycled Composites
This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.

Thermoplastic Composites
This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.

Tooling
This collection features recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

Additive Manufacturing 9 May 2024

CEAD, AES kick off U.S. symposium highlighting LFAM ecosystem
Advanced Air Mobility 8 May 2024

NIAR adds flight test facility for eVTOL aircraft testing
Automotive 8 May 2024

Purdue, Wabash National collaborate on composite trailer that recaptures its own energy
Aerospace 8 May 2024

Cryomotive prepares CcH2 storage for demonstration on heavy-duty trucks
Aerospace 8 May 2024

Aitiip concludes HELACS project with waterjet cutting demonstration
Aerospace 8 May 2024

Mejzlik Propellers is the main propeller supplier for Dufour Aero2
Pressure Vessels 7 May 2024

Hexagon Purus reports all-time high quarterly revenue, up 67% over Q1 2023
Aerospace 7 May 2024

MFFD longitudinal seams welded, world's largest CFRTP fuselage successfully completed
7 May 2024

Dura Composites earns U.K. business award for low embodied carbon GFRP products
6 May 2024

Envalior opens Indiana distribution center to support advanced materials

Glossary

Glossary of composites related terms beginning with the letter Z

Composites Terms

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Z-axis: The axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the x and y axes. In a sheet laminate, if the x and y axes are parallel to the length and width, respectively, the z-axis would indicate sheet thickness. (See x-axis and y-axis.)
Zero bleed: Laminate fabrication procedure that does not allow loss of resin during cure.

Advanced Nonwovens for Aerocomposites - TFP

pro-set epoxy laminate infusion tool assembly

Coatings for Carbon Fiber from Keyland Polymer

Kennametal Composite Material Tooling Solutions