Sara Black Senior Technical Editor Emeritus

Out of Autoclave 1 Jan 2014

High-speed RTM work cell holds promise for faster part production

Pinette Emidecau Inc. (Troy, Mich.) reports that it has developed an automated, high-speed RTM cell for aerospace and automotive manufacturing applications that is designed to increase molded part throughput and improve process consistency.

Carbon Fibers 1 Jan 2014

Carbon stairs make boarding a sailing yacht a breeze

GMT Composites (Bristol, R.I.) makes lightweight but strong — typically carbon fiber — yacht-boarding systems that are easily moved and stowed.

Autoclave 30 Nov 2013

RVB Infusion = Light RTM?

There is some difference of opinion as to whether parts infused under reusable vacuum bags (RVBs) are the equivalent of those produced by Light resin transfer molding (RTM). See why.

Infusion 30 Nov 2013

RVB insider insights

Experts in reusable vacuum bag technology share insights into bags adapted for autoclave use.

Adhesives 30 Nov 2013

Reusable vacuum membranes: Coming of age?

Durable custom elastomeric bags cut consumables cost and boost rate production.

Weaving 30 Nov 2013

Fabric core: Reinforced marble façades for significantly lighter weight

Natural stone specialist Kunovar & Kamini (Ljubljana, Slovenia), recently adopted trademarked Parabeam 3-D glass fabric (Parabeam BV, Helmond, The Netherlands), to reinforce flat marble façades and curved column cladding.

Automotive 1 Nov 2013

Software supplier aids parts producer with greater accuracy

Paul Crosby (Crosby Composites, Brackley, Northamptonshire, U.K.) says PowerMILL software, which converts CAD models to NC toolpaths for multiaxis milling, has helped produce F1 composite parts to levels of accuracy rarely seen in the industry.

Fabrics/Preforms 1 Oct 2013

Structural preform technologies emerge from the shadows

Not yet in full production, with one exception, all are aimed at accelerating composite part manufacture at fast automotive rates.

Workforce Development 30 Sep 2013

Manhole covers: Composites replace cast iron on university campus

Traditional cast-iron manhole covers are replaced on a college campus with composite versions manufactured by Fibrelite Composites (Skipton, North Yorkshire, U.K., and Pawcatuck, Conn.).

Sustainability 30 Sep 2013

Sewer system: Corrosion protection for buried odor-control ductwork

ECS Environmental Solutions (Belton, Texas) was contracted to provide odor control equipment and relied on Vipel vinyl ester resin from AOC Resins (Collierville, Tenn.) for more than 1,000 ft/305m of fiberglass ductwork and accessories.