Leonardo and CETMA: disrupting composites for lower cost and environmental impact
Italian OEM and tier supplier Leonardo works with CETMA R&D to develop new composite materials, machines and processes, including induction welding for in-situ consolidation of thermoplastic composites.
Read MoreThe industrialization of thermoplastic epoxy
Fast-processing composites that are strong yet tough, thermoformable, reformable, recyclable and even FST-compliant save cost in aircraft and rail equipment.
Read MoreElectroimpact’s 6-axis continuous fiber 3D printer, one part of future multi-functional manufacturing cell
The Scalable Composite Robotic Additive Manufacturing (SCRAM) system 3D prints with continuous fiber tape or filament and seamlessly swaps end effectors for large-scale pellet deposition and CNC machining.
WatchFRP profiles enable affordable aesthetic solution for unique residential architecture
The FRP profiles, manufactured by Italy-based M.M. S.r.l., allow easy fabrication and construction on-site in less than two days.
Read MoreConbility: Mass production of composite tape laminates
RWTH Aachen spin-off scales up production for low-cost, in-situ consolidated composites as inserts for lighter, cheaper injection-molded parts.
WatchComposites 4.0: Digital transformation, adaptive production, new paradigms
An evolving landscape of automation, sensors and AI software is not an end, but a means to achieve the cost, quality, efficiency and agility required for future manufacturing.
Read MoreFirst all-CFRP fuselage in Mexico
UNAQ and RHEM Composites help produce body of third prototype for Oaxaca Aerospace’s Pegasus P-400T.
Read MoreZAero project update
The 2019 final review demonstrated integration of an automated CFRP process chain: AFP inline inspection and rework, cure and resin flow sensors, part performance prediction and a decision support tool for line operators.
Read MoreDigital thread vs. digital twin
Visualizing the difference between digital representations and data flows and understanding the applications that are changing composites manufacturing and business models.
Read MoreComposites 4.0: Where to start?
Sensors, IoT platforms, data analytics — the tools for more intelligent, efficient manufacturing abound, but where to start is actually much simpler.
Read MoreNo business case for reteaching robots
DLR Center for Lightweight Production Technology has developed an AI-equipped work cell where collaborative robots can switch from producing composite rear pressure bulkheads to fuselage panels without requiring reprogramming or retraining.
WatchComposites 4.0: Architecture and ontology
Adaptive systems, IoT platforms and apps, the need for 4.0 standardization and a new way to develop and certify composite aerostructures.
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