CW Blog

Automation 15 Jul 2015

Automation and rapid processing dominate at JEC Americas

Highlights include Fiber Patch Preforming, automated potting and insert equipment and processes delivering composite parts in minutes.

Watch

Sustainability 13 Jul 2015

Concrete composite that heals itself

The concept of self-healing materials isn’t new, however, there’s been a renewed interest in the technology due to the maintenance needs of deteriorating infrastructures.

Sustainability 9 Jul 2015

New target of carbon emissions standards: Heavy-duty trucks

New proposed emissions standards in the US are designed to cut carbon pollution from heavy-duty trucks and could expand the transportation lightweighting segment of the composites industry.

Electric Vehicles 7 Jul 2015

Carbon in the cloud(s)

Carbon is the norm, and even a necessity, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race event, held June 28.

Watch

Adhesives 1 Jul 2015

A growing trend: 3D printing of aerospace tooling

Toolmakers and OEMs are embracing additive manufacturing for customized, rapid tools, masters and jigs.

Materials Testing 1 Jul 2015

Optimum unidirectional compression testing of composites

Dr. Daniel O. Adams, a professor of mechanical engineering, the director of the Composite Mechanics Laboratory at the University of Utah, and VP of Wyoming Test Fixtures Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT, US) discusses the complex relationship between composite tensile and compressive properties, why that makes it necessary to perform both tension and compression testing, and how best to perform the latter.

IACMI 1 Jul 2015

Workforce development: Let's start in high school

CW Editor-in-Chief Jeff Sloan says one concern at the otherwise positive initial membership meeting of the new Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) was that the composites industry is quickly losing knowledge, as old-timers retire, that is not so easily replaced. Here's his prescription.

Compression Molding 1 Jul 2015

Composite engine piston cylinder housings

Phenolic BMC could replace aluminum in car/motorcycle engine housings.

Aerospace 14 Feb 2023

Thermosets vs. thermoplastics: Is the battle over?

Dale Brosius, the chief commercialization officer for the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and a regular CW columnist, sees a shift in the industry from infighting between proponents of thermoset and thermoplastic composites to a healthier competitive atmosphere that serves to make composites overall more competitive with legacy materials.