Peggy Malnati

Peggy Malnati MMT, Contributing Writer

SMC: Old dog, new tricks

A sheet molding compound renaissance highlights new reinforcements, new fillers, new matrices, new opportunities.

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Adhesives

Thermoplastic composites: Occupant protection in transportation

European consortium develops, validates unique hybrid process for a glass/PA6 engine-compartment bulkhead to replace stamped steel on commercial trucks.

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Aerospace

Machine vision: Rapid error detection

Aerospace-aimed ply placement technology evolves into process management and near-real time inspection system for production laminated composite parts.

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Thermoplastics

Breathing-mold process yields sandwich composite from LFT

In-cavity foaming and controlled mold-opening technique creates core and faceskins from a single injection molded material, reducing part mass and boosting performance.

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RTM

Selective reinforcements boost “commodity” composite properties

Strategically placed advanced reinforcements reduce weight, cost while dramatically increasing mechanical performance and dimensional stability.

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Adhesives

Form + function = Classy chassis

Sandwich-composite chassis components double as structural and styling elements, reducing cost of ownership.

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Fabrics/Preforms

Lower cost, less waste: Inline prepreg production

New technologies move direct (fabricator-based) prepregging closer to reality.

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Thermoplastic honeycomb cores: Tough insulated sandwiches

Foam-filled nylon/polyester fabric yields sandwich panel cores with excellent mechanicals, durability, thermal insulation.

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Sustainability

Low-density SMC: Better living through chemistry

Proprietary sizing, special glass roving and microspheres strip 9 kilos of weight from Corvette body panels.

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Infrastructure

Composite rebar strengthens riverbed “catfish houses”

Basalt-reinforced polyester rebar eliminates rust and spalling and extends the useful life of concrete catfish spawning and habitat units in Chicago River environmental restoration effort.

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Out of Autoclave

VOC reduction strategies for LFRT composites

Additives supplier seeks novel methods to limit VOC emissions from long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics.

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Automotive

Rapid tooling breakthrough: Fused particle technology

Super-fast, inexpensive tooling is ideal for low-pressure molding processes and low production volumes.

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Composite raw materials