CW Blog

Carbon Fibers 29 Mar 2018

Thermoplastic composites: Past the tipping point?

The manufacturing world watched a decade ago as automatically placed thermoset composite tapes replaced aluminum in commercial airframes and made composites a household word in markets around the world. Has the time come for thermoplastic composite tapes to make a similar impact?

Design and Testing 29 Mar 2018

Gripping composite test specimens: Options and guidance

Orthotropic behavior of composites test specimens makes load introduction uniquely challenging.

Economics 29 Mar 2018

The US composites industry’s rally continues in February

The February Composites Fabricating Index was at 59.6

Weaving 29 Mar 2018

New board makes windsurfing available to all

Making the windsurfing sport available to all

Space 29 Mar 2018

Predicting advanced composites use in launches to the moon, Mars

Irrespective of what launch vehicles provide transport for colonization efforts to the Moon or Mars, advanced composites are sure to play an enabling role.

Automation 29 Mar 2018

Data infrastructure in composites manufacturing: A growing need

As more automation enters the fabrication process for composites, new data infrastructure is required to guide that automation.

Additive Manufacturing 29 Mar 2018

Biomimicry in 3D printing?

New rotational 3D printing method developed by Harvard researchers allows engineered composites to mimic nature.

Prepregs 28 Mar 2018

Smarter molding with Smart Cauls

Spintech’s Smart Caul technology can be used to create internal mandrels, bladders for hollow parts or any irregular male layup tool shape involving a sharp angle or corner.

Aerospace 28 Mar 2018

JEC World 2018: The highlights

JEC World is the composites industry’s largest trade show and did not disappoint this year.

Pressure Vessels 27 Mar 2018

Wind blade spar caps: Pultruded to perfection?

Introduced to the market about five years ago, pultruded, carbon fiber-reinforced spar caps, incorporated as the reinforcing member of wind turbine rotor blades, are a byproduct of the evolution and increasing technological sophistication of the global wind energy industry.