CW Blog

Sheet Molding Compound 27 Apr 2016

Ashland unveils low-density, high-performance SMC

Ashland's new Arotran 771 sheet molding compound (SMC) offers a specific gravity of 1.2, with good mechanical and physical properties. The company is targeting 1.0 specific gravity, which would put SMC on par with aluminum in automotive applications.

Out of Autoclave 21 Apr 2016

Fastener-free, composite aircraft door and control surfaces

All-composite, integrated structures using RTM cut weight and cost by more than 30%.

Workforce Development 15 Apr 2016

CFRP: Opportunities in orthopedics

Carbon fiber has a niche, but can it secure a larger piece of a high-growth pie?

Aerospace 15 Apr 2016

Thermoplastics riding into automotive, aerospace

The legacy of composite parts and structures is built on a family of thermosets — including epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester and phenolic — that have helped tremendously to make the industry what it is today. Not to be forgotten are thermoplastics, which have played a serious role as well, and offer advantages that promise to make this material type one of the fastest growing over the next decade.

Wind/Energy 14 Apr 2016

More on Spanish composites: Solution providers

My pre-JEC Europe 2016 trip through Spain yielded much fodder for future editorial content, and proved to me that the country’s composites sector is brimming with innovation.