CW Blog

Molds/Tools

Adapting composites 3D printing to evolving needs

Continuous fiber printing pioneer increases print cell options, size, hybridization and simulation capability for expanded applications.

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Aerospace

Virgin Orbit automates composites machining processes for LauncherOne rockets

Part of the company’s larger strategy for reducing cycle times and labor costs on its composite-intensive rockets, a customized machine center from Multiax America solves composite machining challenges.

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Space

Researchers work to prove out ultra-high-temperature CMC for NASA Interstellar Probe study

A recent study by Johns Hopkins and Advanced Ceramic Fibers LLC worked toward ceramic matrix composites able to withstand up to 3,500°C for space heatshields.

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Thermoplastics

9T Labs assesses AM for medical, aerospace applications

9T Labs conducts two studies to assess the viability of its Red Series additive manufacturing system to manufacture a carbon fiber/PEKK aerospace hinge and a surgical tool.

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Orbital continues to progress toward commercialization

Orbital Composites is pursuing a variety of collaborative projects to apply its Orbital S robotic additive manufacturing system.

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Trends

Cincinnati’s BAAM proves utility of recycled materials in AM

Cincinnati Inc. modified the extruder of its Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system to be able to process virgin carbon fiber/ABS and recycled carbon fiber/ABS.

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Construction

Continuous fiber-reinforced, 3D printed houses on the horizon

3D-printed modular building manufacturer Mighty Buildings moves toward certification of higher-strength, more sustainable glass fiber-reinforced housing panels.

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Q&A: Importance of reliability in large-scale additive manufacturing

Thermwood Corp. CEO Ken Susnjara shares an LSAM supplier’s perspective on enabling reliable, continuous manufacturing performance.

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Editorial

The democratization of composites is reconfiguring supply chains

New robotic and digital technologies are enabling advanced in-house capabilities for small companies and innovative suppliers willing to embrace the move toward more affordable, sustainable composites.

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Aerospace

175 composites editorials and counting

This is my 175th CW editorial. That’s 104,322 words. I created a word cloud to celebrate.

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The end is in sight for COVID-19: What comes next for the composites industry?

While the industry returns to some semblance of normality, a pre-pandemic “business as usual” does not seem likely. Dale Brosius ponders some of the questions that need to be faced.

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Automation

Speeding RTM with heat-flux sensors

Clean Sky 2 INNOTOOL 4.0 project advances cure monitoring for larger and less costly lightweight landing gear made using composites.

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Composite raw materials
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