Articles

Consumer 4 Mar 2020

Greener camping: Sonic X breaks barriers

Prototype travel trailer generates excitement, leads to new commercial models.

Aerospace 3 Mar 2020

Automation options arise for labor-intensive composites

Typically labor-intensive fabrication processes have more automation options as new technology works in concert with operators to improve efficiency.

FRP Rebar 6 Jun 2020

The growing role of composites in infrastructure

From bridges to rebar and pilings, composites provide installation and life cycle cost savings over steel and concrete.

Adhesives 28 Feb 2020

Microfiber-infused resin enables single-step molding process

Spoke Materials’ reinforced liquid composites provide alternative fabrication methods.

Injection/Overmolding 27 Feb 2020

Proving out LM PAEK welding for Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator

Clean Sky 2 STUNNING project will manufacture lower thermoplastic fuselage while MECATESTERS will test Toray LM PAEK in conduction and induction welding for parameters, cyclic loading, aging and environmental effects .

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Aerospace 26 Feb 2020

Wind energy: Gale force growth ahead

Columnist Dale Brosius addresses recent accomplishments, forecasts and recycling challenges affecting the wind energy industry — and composites use within it.

Aerospace 25 Feb 2020

Using mobile susceptors to innovate thermoplastic induction welding

IS Groupe and Arkema patent ISW for high-strength UD welds, temperature control and 50% less energy.

Autoclave 24 Feb 2020

DC dielectric sensors for industrial composites production

Synthesites in situ process monitoring enables cure decisions based on real-time Tg evaluation that can reduce cure cycles by up to 50%.

Composites Basics 20 Feb 2020

Woven fabrics: The basics

For composite applications requiring more than one fiber orientation, woven fabrics can be useful. This primer outlines the basics of woven fabrics and different types.

Composites Basics 20 Feb 2020

Vacuum bagging: The basics

A primer on the reasons to use vacuum bagging in composite part manufacture, and the basics of how to do it

Core 20 Feb 2020

Core materials: The basics

Core materials available for composite sandwich structures range from paper, aluminum and thermoplastic honeycomb cores to foams and more.

Composites Basics 20 Feb 2020

Aramid fiber: The basics

Aramid fiber is a manmade organic polymer (an aromatic polyamide) produced by spinning a solid fiber from a liquid chemical blend. The fibers offer high strength among other properties.