Peggy Malnati MMT, Contributing Writer

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Injection/Overmolding 1 Aug 2018

SPE ACCE 2018 preview

Mobility composites are expected to draw an international crowd to this annual Motor City gathering.

Consumer 1 Aug 2018

U.S. styrene-reduction mandates: Go or no-go?

Legislative changes are slow in coming, but technology forges ahead.

Mass Transit 1 Aug 2018

Styrene ≠ polystyrene: An important distinction for composites

Definitions are important when discussing technology. Although often used interchangeably, the terms styrene and polystyrene refer to different materials.

Carbon Fibers 24 May 2018

Green composites: Chicago compounder introduces recycled CF-reinforced PA 6/6

With fiber from aerospace and sporting goods and resin from automotive, thermoplastic composite lowers cost, increases sustainability.

Weaving 12 Feb 2018

Composites-intensive folding bike: Simplifying multi-modal transportation

The world’s lightest folding bike relies on CFRP for high stiffness and strength at low weight.

Adhesives 29 Jan 2018

Hybrid composite struts reduce vehicle weight, improve handling

Pultruded carbon/glass fiber composite underbody stiffeners move into medium-volume Mercedes-AMG production vehicles.

Thermoplastics 13 Nov 2017

Reversible multi-material adhesive bonds

Ferromagnetic nanoparticles in thermoplastic adhesives make it possible to debond and rebond adhesive joints, using electromagnetic energy.

Thermoplastics 29 Sep 2017

Rotomolded cores: New options for sandwich composites

Permanent or removable, these hollow thermoplastic cores broaden industry offerings.

Sustainability 1 Jun 2020

SMC + D-LFT: A hybrid box for the Gen 2 Ridgeline

D-LFT optimizes vertical component functionality while first use of weatherable SMC eliminates paint, reduces mass and stands up to tough-duty use.

Sheet Molding Compound 31 Aug 2017

Do we need a new definition for SMC?

Side story to SMC: Old dog, more tricks.

Braiding 7 Aug 2017

Firestone expands fiber product capacity, focuses on external sales

Firestone Fibers & Textiles, which has primarily provided materials to its own operations, is looking to sell more of its product on the open market. Products include thermoplastic, glass, carbon and other fibers.

Compression Molding 6 Jun 2020

SMC: Old dog, more tricks

In the sheet molding compound renaissance, the advent of new resins and compounds are broadening the definition and application of this versatile family of composites.