CW Blog
Composites for repair (2015)
Composites now offer a cost-effective means repair and/or strengthen structures made of steel, concrete or other materials.
Read More
Part design criteria (2015)
Designers of composite parts can choose from a huge variety of fiber reinforcements and resin systems. That makes knowledge of how those materials work together a critically important aspect of part development. Here's a short description of what that knowledge entails.
Read More
Supply and demand: Advanced fibers (2015)
Demand for advanced fiber, virgin and reclaimed, is on an upswing after a dip during the recent recession. Fiber suppliers are gearing up to meet an expected increase in demand as manufacturers in a number of composites end-markets scale up or start up part development and production programs.
Read More
SOURCEBOOK 2015: The online edition
Welcome to the online SOURCEBOOK, the searchable, updatable, Internet-based counterpart to CompositesWorld's annually published print SOURCEBOOK.
Read More
Tooling (2015)
Composite parts are formed in molds, also known as tools. Tools can be made from virtually any material. The material type, shape and complexity depend upon the part and length of production run. Here's a short summary of the issues involved in electing and making tools.
Read More
Fiber reinforcement forms
Fibers used to reinforce composites are supplied directly by fiber manufacturers and indirectly by converters in a number of different forms, which vary depending on the application. Here's a guide to what's available.
Read More
The markets: Automotive (2015)
Composites — in particular, those reinforced with carbon fiber — continue to make headway into the automotive world, but suppliers of competing steel and aluminum are fighting back.
Read More
The matrix (2015)
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here's a guide to selection.
Read More.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70;format=webp)
Fabrication methods (2015)
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
Read MoreRegenerative braking system for railcars relies on composites
A new flywheel-based regenerative braking system, the Digital Displacement hydraulic pump-motor transmission system from Artemis Intelligent Power, has demonstrated that it can reduce the carbon footprint of trains.
Read MoreUSC architectural forum spotlights composites versatility
In November 2014, CW attended “Performative Composites: Sailing Architecture,” hosted by the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture.
Read MoreFrac’ing revolution demands more of downhole composites
An unprecedented US onshore energy boom during the past decade has brought the country to near fossil-fuel energy independence.
Read More
