CW Blog

28 Jun 2023

CompoTech: Designing and Supplying Turnkey Composites Technologies

At JEC World 2023, CompoTech showcased its automated fiber winding and laying technology capabilities, highlighting the company’s latest custom-built, automated fiber winding machine, with fiber placement using a FANUC six-axis robot.

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Carbon Fibers 28 Jun 2023

3D-printed CFRP tools for serial production of composite landing flaps

GKN Aerospace Munich and CEAD develop printed tooling with short and continuous fiber that reduces cost and increases sustainability for composites production.

Thermoplastics 26 Jun 2023

Manufacturing the MFFD thermoplastic composite fuselage

Demonstrator’s upper, lower shells and assembly prove materials and new processes for lighter, cheaper and more sustainable high-rate future aircraft.

Design and Testing 23 Jun 2023

Composite test methods (and specifications) for fiber-reinforced concrete structures

While initially focused on transitioning existing standards published by the American Concrete Institute, the relatively new ASTM Subcommittee D30.10 is developing new standardized test methods and material specifications for FRP composites.

Wind/Energy 11 Sep 2023

Drag-based wind turbine design for higher energy capture

Claiming significantly higher power generation capacity than traditional blades, Xenecore aims to scale up its current monocoque, fan-shaped wind blades, made via compression molded carbon fiber/epoxy with I-beam ribs and microsphere structural foam.

Trends 20 Jun 2023

JEC World 2023 highlights: Innovative prepregs, bio-resins, automation, business development

CW’s Jeff Sloan checks in with JEC innovations from Solvay, A&P, Nikkiso, Voith, Hexcel, KraussMaffei, FILL, Web Industries, Sicomin, Bakelite Synthetics, Westlake Epoxy and Reliance Industries.

Economics 19 Jun 2023

Composites GBI remains relatively unchanged in May

The GBI: Composites closed May at the same reading reported in April, with some minor fluctuations in component activity.

Space 16 Jun 2023

Nanomaterials optimize performance of space-ready carbon fiber composite panels

A recent ESA project led by Adamant Composites aimed to mature nanomaterial-enhanced CFRP for lighter weight, more thermally and electrically conductive materials for manufacturing satellite structures.

Editorial 31 May 2023

Up, not out: The next chapter of CompositesWorld

I have been editor-in-chief of CompositesWorld for 17 years, which translates into a lot of editorials. This will be my last as I become publisher of CW. We welcome Scott Francis back to the brand to take my place.