CW Blog

Thermoplastics

MFFD thermoplastic floor beams — OOA consolidation for next-gen TPC aerostructures

GKN Fokker and Mikrosam develop AFP for the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s floor beams and OOA consolidation of 6-meter spars for TPC rudders, elevators and tails.

Watch

Composite sidewall cover expands options for fire-safe rail components

R&D project by CG Rail explores use of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and recycled manufacturing scrap to meet fire safety, weight and volume targets.

Read More

Demonstrating functionalized, cost-effective composites using additive extrusion

Hybrid thermoset/thermoplastic composite part with 3D-printed functionalization demonstrates technology possibilities and EmpowerAX open platform offering expertise from members throughout the process chain.

Watch
Work In Progress

Composite tension leaf springs: Available for trucks at last

Tension leaf springs with progressive spring rates meet the demanding needs of truck suspensions.  

Read More
ATL/AFP

Nine factors to consider when designing composites cure tooling

Gary Bond discusses the common pitfalls and compromises when designing good cure tooling and their holistic significance for a robust composite production process.

Read More
Economics

Composites industry index ends February in growth mode

The GBI: Composites Fabricating closed February at the same level it was in November 2022, right before experiencing a rare two months of contraction.

Read More
Application

Lighter, stronger, faster bionic hand aided by composites design

Psyonic’s touch-sensing prosthetic hand leverages bionic technology, 3D printing and a carbon fiber composite exterior for light weight, high strength and high-tech functionality.

Watch
Carbon Fibers

Hexagon Purus Westminster: Experience, growth, new developments in hydrogen storage

Hexagon Purus scales production of Type 4 composite tanks, discusses growth, recyclability, sensors and carbon fiber supply and sustainability.

Watch
Sustainability

Microwave heating for more sustainable carbon fiber

Skeptics say it won’t work — Osaka-based Microwave Chemical Co. says it already has — and continues to advance its simulation-based technology to slash energy use and emissions in manufacturing.

Read More

Remembering Don Adams

When one thinks of composites test methods, one thinks of Don Adams. Don passed away at the end of 2022. We remember him here.

Read More
Trends

CW Top Shops 2022: Recognizing composites industry leaders

The highest-performing facilities from the 2022 CW Top Shops benchmarking survey share insights about business growth, overcoming labor shortages, sustainability best practices and more.

Read More
Carbon Fibers

Developing repairs for thermoplastic composite aerostructures

HyPatchRepair project proves feasibility of automated process chain for welded thermoplastic composite patch repairs.

Read More
Quickly Make Molds, Tools and Fixtures
Composite raw materials
prepeg and slit tape products
Alpha’s Premier ESR®