CW Blog

Marine

Composites in high-speed marine

Italy-based FB Design’s high-speed boat sets a record on the Montecarlo-Roccella Jonica-Venice sea track.

Read More

Optimizing composites for the Stratolaunch

Stratolaunch represents an unprecedented use of composites in an aircraft. Optimizing the design of composites for the launcher was a daunting challenge.

Read More
Infrastructure

The big blue bear: Redux

It’s been 12 years since I wrote “Composite Sculpture Bears a Second Look” about the big blue bear sculpture in downtown Denver, CO, US. The project opened my eyes to digital design, and gave me the opportunity to meet the sculptor, Lawrence Argent. Argent passed away last week.

Read More
Automotive

CW Talks checks in with Ford's Patrick Blanchard

The latest episode of CW Talks: The Composites Podcast has been posted and is ready for listening. This week, we check in with Patrick Blanchard, global technical leader –composites, at Ford Motor Co.

Read More
Automotive

Automated Preforming, Part 5: Holistic Quality Optimization

Simulation and testing key to integrated approach for optimization of automated preforming, offering time and cost savings as well as basis for automated quality inspection.

Watch
Braiding

Porsche and the braided carbon fiber wheel

For just €15,232, you can get a set of four braided carbon fiber wheels on your 2018 Porsche 911 S. This will be the first time a carmaker has offered braided carbon fiber in such an application.

Watch
Automotive

All hail SMC

Sheet molding compound (SMC) is no stranger to the composites industry, but the last few years have seen a renaissance for this workhorse material as it is embraced anew.

Read More
Infrastructure

Rail line landmark restoration via pultrusion

Composites’ corrosion resistance ensures preservation.  

Read More
RTM

Rotomolded cores: New options for sandwich composites

Permanent or removable, these hollow thermoplastic cores broaden industry offerings.  

Read More
Aerospace

The Composites Business Index at 56.4 in August

The Composites Business Index sets a 2017 high for growth in the US composites industry.  

Read More

Episode 10: Patrick Blanchard, Ford Motor Co.

Patrick Blanchard, global technical leader – composites at Ford Motor Co., talks about applying composites to vehicles.

Listen

Can flexure testing provide estimates of composite strength properties?

Flexure tests are simple to perform, yet the state of stress and failure modes are among the most complex.  

Read More
prepeg and slit tape products
Composite raw materials
Alpha’s Premier ESR®
Quickly Make Molds, Tools and Fixtures