CW Blog

Can 3D printing debottleneck prototype tool production?

Preliminary IACMI/ORNL study evaluates viability of using polymer additive tooling to compression mold SMC.

Read More
Cutting/Kitting

Improve production with five-axis machines built for composites

Virtually tour (4) USA-Made 5-Axis CNC Machines designed and engineered to help companies improve profits by decreasing cycle times and improving part quality. (Sponsored)

Watch
Application

CFRP breakdown poles designed for lightweight, long-lasting use in marine applications

Shellback Canvas LLC wanted to develop a cost-effective alternative to prepreg poles for its canvas boat awnings. The resulting Blacksticks comprise compression-molded carbon fiber braid and epoxy in a unique process.

Read More
Aerospace

Regional air mobility: A meaningful first step in the electric aviation revolution

Electrification of fixed-wing, <50-seat regional aircraft might stimulate a new era of growth that could help pave the way for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.

Read More
Carbon Fibers

Will the Airbus-CFM H2 flight demonstrator use metal or composite tanks?

The Airbus A380 testbed will fly in 2026 with four 100-kilogram liquid hydrogen tanks — metal and composites are being developed via Airbus ZEROe Development Centres — with multiple other programs to develop composite H2 tanks for civil aviation that were begun in 2021.

Watch

Multi-material toolbox for cost-effective, scalable EV battery enclosure design

Mexico-based automotive Tier 1 Katcon has developed a “toolbox” of material, process and joining options aiming to serve a range of electric vehicle requirements.

Read More

Lifting arm concept and automated repair training to propel portable repair system

Looking to commercialize its Portable Scarfing/Composite Repair System concept, AGFM and partners offer specialized training, lifting and inspection systems.

Read More
Sensors

Sensors for Composites Processing: CW Trending Episode 8

Why use sensors in composites manufacturing? What sensor types are available and how can they be applied? Learn about all of this and more in a discussion with CW senior editor Ginger Gardiner and editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan in this episode of CW Trending, sponsored by RVmagnetics.

Watch

Sensors: Data for next-gen composites manufacturing

In the quest for sustainability, sensors are reducing cycle times, energy use and waste, automating closed-loop process control and increasing knowledge to open new possibilities for intelligent manufacturing and structures.

Watch

Predicting and mitigating failure in composite parts

Understanding the complexity of composites manufacturing resides in studying the design challenges inherent to fabrication, as much as the physics aspect. To serve this effort, CW introduces a new column, “Predicting Failure.”

Read More
Glass Fibers

Plant tour: Victrex Composites Solutions, Bristol, Rhode Island, U.S.

De-risking thermoplastic composites at industrial scale via hybrid overmolding.

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