CW Blog
Can basalt fiber bridge the gap between glass and carbon?
When I started writing about composites in the way, way back, industry innovator Brandt Goldsworthy was still alive. His article on basalt fiber was one of the most-read columns in the old Composites Technology book, and there seems to be a lot of interest in this alternative performance fiber. Mafic SA is a new player in the basalt fiber market.
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Carbures: Conquering the world for composites
This global Tier 2 supplier produced 39,322 parts for Airbus in 2015, has sold seven RMCP machines to China capable of 40,000-75,000 composite auto parts/yr and is completing a study on opportunities for composites in oil and gas applications in Mexico. What next?
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LEAP backlog spurs composites production expansion
If some were unaware of the significance CFM International’s composites-intensive LEAP engine, there was no ignoring two announcements in February that signaled just how massive this commercial jet engine program is and will be.
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VBO prepreg on wing structure
GE Aviation scores first use of OOA wing trailing edge on large commercial aircraft.
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Research on OOA processing continues
Much work has been done to make OOA processing practical for aerospace applications, but much work still remains if it is to become the compelling option.
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Dry fiber placement: Surpassing limits
Coriolis Composites’ automated aerostructures manufacturing using dry materials moves from development projects to production.
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OOA: Thermoplastic alternative targets performance spec
CF/PEEK helicopter driveshaft’s toughness trumps traditional metric.
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VBO prepregs: The Vision SF50
OOA vacuum-bag-only process makes carbon fiber structures a reality for the world’s first personal jet.
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Resin transfer molding: An update
Fulfilling the promise of OOA composites without sacrificing pressure.
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Resin infusion: Taking off?
Boeing Aerostructures Australia leads large-scale development of resin infusion as an industrial process.
Read MoreOOA overview: Market & opportunities
CW looks at where aero-OEMs and their suppliers are finding out-of-autoclave alternatives.
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Composites manufacturing from a different angle
A bunch of really smart engineers showed up in Long Beach, CA, US this week for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ (SME, Dearborn, MI, US) AeroDef conference and exhibition. All were focused on looking at ways to manufacture products — composite or not — more efficiently.
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