Search Results

High-pressure gas storage vessels represent one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for advanced composites, particularly for filament-wound carbon fiber composites. Although they are used in self-contained breathing apparatuses and provide oxygen and gas storage on aerospace vehicles, the primary end markets are for storage of liquid propane gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen gas (H₂).

Filament winding is a specialized technique used in composite manufacturing, involving the precise and automated winding of continuous fibers onto a rotating mandrel or mold. This method allows for the creation of strong and seamless structures, optimizing the alignment and orientation of the fibers to meet specific design requirements. Filament winding is employed in producing cylindrical or conical composite parts, such as pipes, pressure vessels, and aerospace components, enabling engineers to tailor the strength, stiffness, and performance characteristics of the final product.

Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.

The wind energy market has long been considered the world’s largest market, by volume, for glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites — and increasingly, carbon fiber composites — as larger turbines and longer wind blades are developed, requiring higher performance, lighter weight materials. The outer skins of wind and tidal turbine blades generally comprise infused, GFRP laminates sandwiching foam core. Inside the blade, rib-like shear webs bonded to spar caps reinforce the structure. Spar caps are often made from GFRP or, as blade lengths lengthen, pultruded carbon fiber for additional strength.

Dynamic, multi-spindle machine enables the winding process to occur on both sides of the spindle, reportedly halving production time.

At JEC World 2023, CompoTech showcased its automated fiber winding and laying technology capabilities, highlighting the company’s latest custom-built, automated fiber winding machine, with fiber placement using a FANUC six-axis robot.

The remote rotor blade monitor offers edge-to-edge intelligence that detects and reports damage in real time, enabling better-informed wind blade integrity management.

To build complex drop shafts for New Zealand’s Central Interceptor project, RPC Technologies pushed the limits with glass and carbon fiber, vertical filament winding and UV-cure resins.

The three-year project seeks to deliver a circular model for wind turbine blades with the building of the U.K.’s first recycling pilot plant and commercialization of University of Strathclyde’s recycling method.

Report analyzes sustainability strategy development, the role of carbon fiber in the global energy transition, and profitability challenges faced by wind OEMs. 

Product offering encompasses specialist level sensing, condition monitoring, position sensors and engine control products for composites-based applications.

GE Renewable Energy will be supplying 62 units of the Haliade-X 13 MW turbine for the Vineyard Wind 1 installation in Massachusetts, with energy generation expected to start in 2023.

Patented robot uses visual sensors to diagnose any potential damage for remote operators, and initiates a repair process in real time that is four times faster than manual alternatives.

Danish-funded ALMA project furthers collaboration, adds new functionality, advanced sensor systems and digital twinning for reduced man-hours, waste and cost per blade.