VX4 eVTOL aircraft prototype begins untethered, piloted, thrust-borne testing following expansion of permit to fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Flight of first production aircraft fresh off Beta’s full-scale manufacturing line in Vermont is followed by Special Airworthiness certification from the FAA.
Despite court-approved insolvency filings and beginning first investor briefings, Lilium remains fully focused on re-emerging following restructuring, setting its sights on fresh investment to support the Lilium Jet.
Japan Airlines’ and Sumitomo’s joint venture company intends to purchase up to 100 Midnight aircraft to certify and commercialize AAM services across Japan.
RNG/CNG fuel system installations with Type 4 CFRP pressure vessels, powered by Cummins’ 15-liter natural gas tank, adds 230,000 heavy-duty trucks to the addressable RNG/CNG market annually.
VoltAero inaugurates its industrial facility in Rochefort for the final assembly line for the family of Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft, to incorporate composite elements.
CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.
Next-gen carbon fiber materials will be tested under extreme conditions for 12-18 months to determine their viability in space for use in future space bases, interplanetary travel.
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.
Solico Engineering introduces the module to complete its Amphora calculation tool, made for the design of fiber-reinforced silos and tanks.
Air Force-funded initiative looks to LFAM thermoset, thermoplastic advancement for fast, inexpensive composite tooling production.
How the predictive tool “CZone” is applied to simulate the axial crushing response of composites, providing valuable insights into their use for motorsport applications.
Bureau Veritas and industry partners issue guidelines and pave the way for certification via StrengthBond Offshore project.
Sicomin has partnered with Skaw Sailing and Shoreteam to deliver a foiling yacht design for cruising that embodies durability and performance with a low environmental impact.
CompoTech, Kongsberg PCS collaboration integrates foam-cored design, automated placement of pitch and PAN fibers to achieve award-winning increase in speed and precision.
Bio-inspired Australian-made craft featuring hemp-reinforced fuselage panels and sustainable fuel capabilities is positioned to meet disaster relief, e-commerce and military needs.
Czech Republic facility takes post-consumer waste and converts it into high-quality formulations, such as the Synolite 4600 and 1112-G series, for composites manufacturing.
Together with Purdue, AnalySwift aims to develop a composite heater layer and a novel software tool or module to achieve assembly, disassembly of thermoplastic composite joints in space during long-duration missions.
Fully automated, all-in-one 3D printing platform handles high-rate industrial-sized composite parts printing and postprocessing in a compact, accessible design.
Sunreef 43M Eco electric catamaran, with a composite surface of 1,700 square meters, is considered to have the world’s largest infused hull.
More than 50 of the production-ready AFP solution for small- to medium-scale composite part manufacturing have been installed and is rapidly growing thanks to its affordability and versatility.
3D printing filament collection incorporates carbon fiber reinforcement, bio-based options.
CW Tech Days are virtual events dedicated to the topics impacting the composites industry today. Access past event recordings and register for upcoming Tech Days.
Reliable news and information on where and how fiber-reinforced composites are being applied — that’s just the start of what you get from our team here at CompositesWorld.
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.
Discover how Multi-Ply, a leading composite parts manufacturer, revolutionized composite production planning with Plataine’s AI-powered solution. This webinar will detail how an AI scheduling solution, designed for composite manufacturing, minimizes delays, optimizes resource allocation and drives higher throughput. Hear directly from Multi-Ply’s team on their journey to digitize planning and create accurate, large-scale production plans in minutes. Learn how automated scheduling allowed them to overcome the unique challenges of composite manufacturing, improving production accuracy, managing bottlenecks and optimizing factory resources. Gain actionable insights to automate your composite production planning, increase plan accuracy, respond quickly to production issues and leverage simulations supporting strategic decisions and growth in composites.
Composite materials are being successfully adopted for certification and low initial rate production (LRIP) in eVTOL aircraft variants today. As demand for eVTOL grows, vehicle build rates will increase and the challenge of high-rate composite production will become a reality. Syensqo is developing composite material solutions to meet the most demanding requirements for eVTOL's vehicles of today and tomorrow. This presentation will focus on the key drivers and Syensqo's approach to unlocking the full potential of composite materials for eVTOL blades. Agenda: A review of the advanced air mobility market status The future challenges facing composite materials adoption Key drivers for advanced air mobility rotor blades Syensqo's advanced materials solutions for blades
As the aircraft interiors industry increasingly moves towards circular and sustainable solutions, it's crucial for the supply chain to adopt these innovations to stay competitive. Advanced thermoplastic composites present significant advantages, including faster production, improved recyclability and reduced weight. Join Toray for this insightful webinar where they will dive into the latest developments in thermoplastic composites and their applications in aircraft interiors. Toray will explore how these materials enable the efficient manufacture of parts while improving overall sustainability and meeting the stringent FST standards of the aviation sector. Whether you're a design engineer, materials specialist or industry professional, this session will provide valuable insights into how thermoplastic composites can drive innovation and competitiveness in aircraft interiors.
How does a cutting-edge measurement technology evolve into a solution that drives real-time insights and transforms quality control and efficiency in composites manufacturing for aerospace applications? In this exclusive interview-style webinar, sensXPERT managing director Dr. Alexander Chaloupka will sit down with Jorge Blanco Fernandez, R&T engineer at Ensia (the Spanish entity of Testia, an Airbus Company), to uncover the story of how dielectric analysis (DEA), once a lab-based measurement tool, was transformed into a comprehensive solution for process control in the production of composite aerospace parts. Discover how Testia is constantly seeking new technologies to improve manufacturing processes and chooses dielectric measurement for its potential — only to encounter the challenges of complex data analysis. Learn how sensXPERT took this challenge head-on, turning dielectric technology into a scalable solution with automated data analysis, real-time process adjustments and in-mold material behavior insights that directly connect to quality standards. Agenda: Discovering dielectric measurement technology Complying with industry regulations The transformation to a full solution The sensXPERT process control solution Benefits and impact on aviation manufacturing
This webinar will dive into how advanced AI neural network technology can streamline your composite inspection process, offering unparalleled speed, accuracy, real-time inspection and monitoring. Learn how automating inspections can help manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce errors and ensure consistent high-quality production. See the technology in action and explore how integrating AI can overcome your inspection challenges and elevate your operations. Agenda: AI neural network overview Flexible AI camera integration with IRIS 3D platform Precision detection capabilities Real-time monitoring and alerts Process digitization and tracking Why automate? - benefits of automating the inspection process Next steps: how to get started
The composites industry plays a crucial role in developing lightweight and durable materials for a range of applications, including those critical to national defense. One key focus area is the development of advanced structural materials and manufacturing technologies that support next-generation space, missile and aircraft systems for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). ARC Technologies LLC (ARC), a division of Hexcel Corporation, based in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is a provider of advanced composites structures, specialty materials and other unique products that provide the U.S. Department of Defense with advanced capabilities to protect service members while in harm’s way. This team’s specialty is to understand a specific need from a program office, PEO, platform manufacturer or other offices within the DOD. With that understanding, the team can design a solution, develop a prototype for test and evaluation, perform extensive in-house testing — including electromagnetic, environmental and structural testing — and then partner with the customer through platform evaluation. The Hexcel Amesbury division has a team of engineers on staff, including mechanical, chemical, electrical and research and development specialists that can provide design, testing and manufacturing capabilities to service customer requirements from concept through production. This presentation will illustrate capabilities in advanced composites and other specialty materials structures, focusing on the Hexcel Amesbury team's niche in electromagnetic signature reduction and other unique capabilities.
ICERP India is an important event of the Indian composites industry organized by FRP Institute. The focus of the 2025 show will be up-gradation of composites technology in India to reach global level in terms of product quality, finishing and also to address the challenges that have to be met to achieve global standards.
Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by ASTM, these standards improve the lives of millions every day. Twelve ASTM committess will meet in Houston, Texas, in January 2025.
The annual Conference on Composites, Materials, and Structures (also known as the Cocoa Beach Conference) is the preeminent export controlled and ITAR restricted forum in the United States to review and discuss advances in materials for extreme environments. The Conference started in the 1970s as a small informal gathering for government and industry to share information on programs and state-of-the-art technology. Attendance has grown to nearly 500 people while preserving this same objective to share needs and trends in high-temperature and extreme environment materials, and the latest information on advanced materials and manufacturing processes. The five-day conference program includes two to three parallel sessions per day on topics including thermal protection materials, ceramic matrix composites, carbon-carbon materials, ballistic technologies, hypersonics, and gas turbine engines. Attendees are engineers, scientists, managers, and operational personnel from the turbine engine, aviation, missiles and space, and protective equipment communities. These communities include the Navy, Air Force, Army, MDA, NASA, DARPA, FAA, DOE, engine manufacturers, missile and aircraft manufacturers, commercial space companies, and material and component suppliers. Participation is limited to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents only with an active DD2345 certification.
JEC World gathers the whole value chain of the composite materials industry in Paris (France) every year and is “the place to be” for composites professionals from all over the world. The event brings together not only all major global companies, but also innovative startups in the field of composites and advanced materials, experts, academics, scientists, and R&D leaders. JEC World is also the “festival of composites”, offering a unique showcase of what composites can offer to various application sectors, from aerospace to marine, from construction to automotive, and an unlimited source of inspiration for participants from these industries.
The Summit consists of a range of 12 high-level lectures by 14 invited speakers. Topics are composites-related innovations in automotive/transport, space/aerospace, advanced materials, process engineering, as well as challenging applications in other markets like architecture, construction, sports, energy, marine and more. High-ranked speakers are from China, Japan, USA, and Europe. Attendees are managers of CEO and CTO level in leading companies, engineers, scientists, and professionals from throughout the advanced materials and processes industry and universities. The conference day starts at 9 AM and ends with a networking dinner in the Pullman with outside a magnificent view on the Eiffel Tower. It is an outstanding occasion for networking with interesting colleagues and meeting new contacts.
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.
Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.
Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.
Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.
The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.
Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.
Virtek Vision demonstrates its Iris AI technology at CAMX 2024. It combines laser projection with machine learning software to detect foreign object debris during a composite layup.
San Diego-based 2024 Top Shops qualifier Rock West Composites gives an overview of its relentless commitment to improvement, including its composite capabilities and its role as a trusted player in the space market.
New orders, production and prices components all improved over October, though the GBI is still seeing contraction.
Americarb serves ultra-high temperature carbon fiber, graphite and carbon-carbon product needs with products like CFC modular composite grids used as fixtures and racking systems.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) tool and Industry Accelerator and University Outreach programs are designed to fast-track decarbonization as regulatory frameworks tighten and consumer demand for sustainability grows.
Delivery of the single-spindle robotic setup with an ATP head will advance the R&D organization’s work in CUBIC, GENEX and Carbo4power initiatives targeting sustainable composites development.
Collaboration aims to overcome production limitations with tubular thermoplastic composites (TPC) by using induction-heated tooling and high-quality commingled braids.
This past October was plagued with a series of unfortunate natural disasters that, amidst ongoing travel for CW, has provided a poignant reminder of composites’ importance in facing future events.
Third World Sailing award nomination highlights the company’s focus on marine innovation using sustainable composite materials.
From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
Closed mold processes have many advantages over open molding. In this knowledge center, learn the basics and vital tools needed to produce parts accurately.
In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
Explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
CompositesWorld’s Tech Days: Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures is designed to provide a multi-perspective view of the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.
Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market.
During this CW Tech Days event, sponsored by Composites One, experts will offer presentations to review and evaluate the composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.
In these sessions, experts will discuss the emerging hydrogen economy and the opportunities for composites in this lucrative space.
A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.
This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.
This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.
This collection features recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
43 Holton Road Holton Heath Poole, BH16 6LT GB 44 1202 623 934 norco.co.uk
Established in 1985 in Poole, Dorset, NORCO specialise in large composite structures and GRP mouldings for end users across the globe. Operating from six sites with an overall capacity of 130,000 sq ft, NORCO employ over 170 skilled workers.
Norco invests in CNC, kit cutting capability expansion
Norco GFRP molds meet high-quality cast concrete beam production needs
Norco develops composite clamshell coverings to protect Siemens engines
RTX recognizes composites company Norco with Premier Supplier Award
Norco facility completes three-year AS9100 certification cycle
Norco facility expansion bolsters aerospace, defense project capacity
People in Composites: January 2023
Norco to build fuselage, wings and composite components for Skyfly eVTOL aircraft
Norco Composites awarded new contracts, recruits to bolster workforce
Norco Composites successfully completes first AS9100D surveillance audit
Transition from internal to external demand over the last few years has evolved Norco’s machining and composite kit cutting equipment, and now includes material outsourcing and digital engineering services.
A project with P&M successfully achieved manufacture of six 20-meter-long architectural beams for an R&D facility with near-seamless surfaces and on a tight production schedule.
The IP55-related GFRP clamshell cocoons protect gas turbine engines during transport while simplifying loading and unloading processes.
Norco’s 100% on-time delivery record to an RTX subsidiary and its overall excellence in collaboration and customer service have driven mutual success.
The composites manufacturer’s Winfrith location receives its third successful audit citing good practices and high standards maintenance.
An additional 10,000 square feet will accommodate increasing demand for the company’s composite services.
Beyond Gravity, Wisconsin Oven, Exel Composites, Corebon, Strongwell, Hexcel, Norco Composites and many others in the industry have announced updates to company personnel.
Skyfly aims to achieve a complete airframe weight of just 220 kilograms, in addition to low-cost, accurate and reliable repeatability of manufacture for series production progression.
High demand for Norco’s composites expertise in the defense, aerospace and subsea markets has led to the company’s investment in 10+ new workers and specialist training programs and facility developments.
The three-day audit that took place at Norco’s Winfrith manufacturing facility in May showed no non-conformities, indicating continuous improvement and good practice.
Norco mentors guide new trainees through 20 weeks on a small boat production line to ensure proficient application and knowledge level of GRP structures.
After the recent, successful delivery of HMS Pursuer and HMS Dasher patrol craft in Q1 2022, MST Group recommissions Norco to produce 18 vessels over the next four years.
The new certification is for Norco’s 30,000 square foot Winfrith facility, which was built on the Dorset Innovation Park to facilitate a long-term defense contract.
The Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR) is a collaborative tool used by the aerospace, defense and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information.
Norco is currently manufacturing two complete vessel structures to replace the interim Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Crafts.
Comprised of bio-based infused epoxy resin, recycled PET core and basalt and flax fibers, the Pulse58 drives a different approach to boating.
Norco, which built its reputation as a manufacturer of large glass fiber reinforced structures, continues to grow and currently offers a wide range of bespoke composite products.
CW’s monthly roundup of people news in the composites industry.
Norco, a manufacturer of large composite structures and GRP moldings, has opened a new composites training center to offer hands-on training for new apprentices.
