Articles
Materials & Processes: Resin matrices for composites
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here’s a guide to selection.
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Fostering best practices for wet layup procedures
As fabricators continue to manufacture composite tools and parts using an open mold, wet layup process — often with mixed success — it’s important to stress proper preparation, materials, application methods and standardization.
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The making of carbon fiber
A look at the process by which precursor becomes carbon fiber through a careful (and mostly proprietary) manipulation of temperature and tension.
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Materials & Processes: Fabrication methods
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
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Composite buildings go monocoque
Superior protection from the elements plus fast, affordable installation and maintenance have quickly made Orenco Composites’ DuraFiber buildings an attractive choice for water and wastewater, communications, transportation and power industry outbuildings.
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Impressions and takeaways from JEC World 2022
Suffice to say that JEC World 2022, the “Big Show” for the composites industry, exceeded many expectations. Dale Brosius contemplates pervasive themes, conversations and takeaways from the international event.
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Top 10 Considerations When Buying a CNC Machine for Composites
For a CNC machine to continue to meet or exceed a company’s needs, it must be built and spec’d with these needs in mind.
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3D printing and AFP join forces in automotive demonstrator
Bavarian auto industry and TU Munich research how to reduce molding costs by combining continuous fiber and 3D-printed composites.
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CompositesWorld JEC World 2022 recap: CompPair demonstration
Switzerland-based CompPair illustrates how heat triggers the self-healing properties of its recyclable composite materials, repairing a panel in about one minute.
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CompositesWorld JEC World 2022 recap: GKN Aerospace demonstration
Arnt Offringa, director of the Global Technology Center Netherlands at GKN Aerospace, explains to CW the processes and materials used in a frame assembly for Clean Sky 2’s Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD).
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Augmenting engineered thermoplastics with natural fibers
The Paris Climate Accord mandate for net-zero carbon by 2050 has kick-started an innovation revolution for natural fibers and sustainably engineered resins.
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Composite prepreg tack testing
A recently standardized prepreg tack test method has been developed for use in material selection, quality control and adjusting cure process parameters for automated layup processes.
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