CW Blog

Autoclave

Corvette: A multi-material success history

At the launch of the 2020 C8, Columnist Dale Brosius reflects on the iterations of multi-material innovation in the manufacture of Corvettes over its history.

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Ketones

FRP, pultrusion enable mobile Antarctic habitat module

Constructed of fire-retardant fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane walls and pultruded beams, the self contained living unit is designed to withstand extreme Antarctic weather conditions.

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Work In Progress

Overmolding on the cheap

Innovative injection/compression composites overmolding approach combines smaller injection molded inserts with compression molded parts.

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Composites training firm lends a hand with Mars rover

Advanced Composites Training helps train NASA engineers in the use of composite materials for construction of the Mars 2020 rover.

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Trends

Technical University of Munich researchers explore using algae to make carbon fiber

The process uses algae to convert CO2 from the atmosphere and manufacturing exhaust into algae oil, which is then used to produce polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber precursor. 

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The real future of composites

CW senior editor Scott Francis talks to kids about composite applications at a local elementary school STEM night.

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The challenge of identifying test procedures for recycled carbon fiber composites

With growing use of recycled carbon fiber composites, the identification of mechanical testing procedures for rCF becomes increasingly important … and challenging.

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Urban air mobility: The action heats up

Columnist Dale Brosius reflects on the current state of the under-development urban air mobility (UAM) market, where it’s headed, and what it all means for the composites industry.

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Cutting/Kitting

Prepreg cutting system reduces waste, speeds assembly of Swiss business jet

Swiss aircraft manufacturer cites years of Zünd digital cutting systems as part of the success story for several iterations of commercial aircraft.

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Glass Fibers

Composite insert as a structural reinforcement for A-pillars

A Porsche structural A-pillar reduces weight and increases strength with a hybrid part combining thermoplastic composites, steel and structural foam.

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CW's Top Shops puts operations in perspective

The inaugural CW Top Shops benchmarking survey is designed to help composites fabricators understand how efficient their manufacturing operations are. 

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Tuning the running shoe

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites enable high-performance athletic shoe components.

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Composite raw materials