CW Blog
First 3D woven composite for NASA thermal protection systems
A NASA-led team develops 3D woven quartz preform, hybrid process to infuse it with cyanate ester resin (0.5% voids) and achieves TRL5 in three years to replace CF/phenolic in the Orion spacecraft’s compression pads.
WatchWind energy scores record gains in 2015
The numbers from 2015 continue to roll in, adding to 2015’s status as a stellar year for composites as an enabling technology in the energy market.
Read MoreIACMI starts to hit its stride
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI, Knoxville, TN, US) held its second membership meeting in Detroit, MI, US, Jan. 13-14, to coincide with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
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Suppliers team to amp Viking 80C performance
Thanks to a coordinated effort with its fabric, core and panel suppliers, Viking Yachts was able to introduce carbon fiber cost-effectively, shaving weight and boosting speed in its new 24m-long 80C model.
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Plant tour: Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., U.S.
High-technology telescope and space structures expertise has its roots in legacy Kodak programs.
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Automation: Robots taking off in commercial aircraft
Will this affordable and versatile class of multiaxis manufacturing hardware and software drivers enable airframers to reduce costs and speed deliveries?
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Oil & gas: Will the composite riser rise again?
A new effort to develop a undersea pipe resets the long-term development course, again, toward an all-composite design for deepwater-capable oil and gas risers.
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GKN leads “STeM” program to successful conclusion
Technical achievements are credited to successful partner collaboration.
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Gardner Business Index at 43.4 in January
Mid-sized U.S. production facilities expand; capital spending plans reach second highest level since August 2015.
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Laminated composites: The original additive manufacturing process
Because fabrication of laminated composites can claim to be the original additive manufacturing process, Altair Engineering Inc.'s (Troy, MI, US.) VP of aerospace solutions Robert Yancey says it also should be the most advanced in terms of application.
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IACMI – One insider’s perspective
A CW columnist, a composites industry consultant and the chief commercialization officer for the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (Knoxville, TN, US), Dale Brosius asks, “What if we took a ‘big hat’ approach to reach faster, more cost-effective solutions?”
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“Give us affordable carbon fiber!”
Guest columnist Dan Pichler, managing director of CarbConsult GmbH, suggests that the we need a sustained, cooperative effort in the carbon fiber supply chain. Partnering is the key.
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