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Markets See All

1 Nov 2024 Pressure Vessels
Graphmatech launches Aros polyamide-graphene for Type 4 tanks, secures grant
Combination of polyamide grades and graphene introduces low-permeation solution for upscaling H2 storage, transport applications.

1 Nov 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
Beta Technologies raises $300 million to fund AAM growth, commercialization
Series C capital raise will be used to propel the certification of Beta’s composites-intensive Alia CTOL, Alia VTOL and electric motors, while directly supporting ramp-up of production, delivery of aircraft and chargers.

25 Oct 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
AAM startup Lilium to file for self-administered insolvency
Two of its principal subsidiaries will file for insolvency and apply for self-administration, follows failed loan efforts from German parliament’s Budget Committee, Bavarian government.

24 Oct 2024 Pressure Vessels
Mikrosam equips BTU Germany with single-tape AFP head for Type 5 pressure vessels
Delivery of upgraded placement head provides additional automated layup flexibility, quality control for the university’s latest projects advancing Type 4 and 5 hydrogen storage.

4 Oct 2024 Advanced Air Mobility
Toyota invests $500 million in Joby Aviation
Toyota Motor Corp. is investing an additional $500 million to support the certification and commercial production of Joby Aviation Inc.’s eVTOL aircraft.

3 Oct 2024 Design/Simulation
Solico software suite now includes horizontal tank module
Solico Engineering introduces the module to complete its Amphora calculation tool, made for the design of fiber-reinforced silos and tanks.
Design & Tooling See All

25 Oct 2024 Sustainability
Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.

3 Oct 2024 Design/Simulation
Solico software suite now includes horizontal tank module
Solico Engineering introduces the module to complete its Amphora calculation tool, made for the design of fiber-reinforced silos and tanks.

2 Oct 2024 Molds/Tools
Juggerbot 3D announces MSU, ORNL as partners for hybrid LFAM composites project
Air Force-funded initiative looks to LFAM thermoset, thermoplastic advancement for fast, inexpensive composite tooling production.

23 Sep 2024 Design/Simulation
Modeling and characterization of crushable composite structures
How the predictive tool “CZone” is applied to simulate the axial crushing response of composites, providing valuable insights into their use for motorsport applications.

18 Sep 2024 Epoxies
Base Materials introduces BE890 epoxy tooling board
Base Materials introduces a high-performance, toughened epoxy tooling board designed for thermoforming and vacuum forming processes, direct-to-part applications and more.

11 Sep 2024 Molds/Tools
Airtech, Ascent Aerospace partner to accelerate AM tooling adoption
A combination of Airtech’s 3D printing materials and Ascent’s production capabilities aim to support increased use of composite additive tooling in spaces like defense and aerospace.
Materials See All

1 Nov 2024 Natural Fibers
Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction
Built with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and plant-based resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally conscious design for paddlers of all levels.

30 Oct 2024 Automotive
Bucci features 20-inch center lock version of carbon fiber wheel
Bucci Composites introduces new carbon fiber wheel option for high-performance automotive applications.

30 Oct 2024 Aerospace
Natilus announces Horizon blended wing body CFRP aircraft for 200-passenger narrowbody market
Following its Kona cargo aircraft with 460 pre-orders, this larger all-CFRP model responds to airlines’ request to fill Boeing and Airbus gap with 25% less weight, 40% greater capacity and 50% less carbon emissions, to enter service by early 2030s.

28 Oct 2024 Thermoplastics
Roboze supports F1 composite brake cooling duct manufacture
Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK composites, 3D printing services improve production time and costs of complex motorsport parts for Visa Cash App RB F1 team.

28 Oct 2024 Consumer
DITF, Fiber Engineering highlight biodegradable natural fiber plant pot project
Materials and fabrication process R&D achieves low-cost, compostable plant pots made from invasive hyacinth fibers and a thermoplastic matrix processed via hot press.

28 Oct 2024 Marine
Evolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
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.
Processes See All

1 Nov 2024 Trends
Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction
Built with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and plant-based resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally conscious design for paddlers of all levels.

30 Oct 2024 Automation
RoMaNi 2 project enhances industrial robot flexibility for composites, metals machining
Newly developed milling kinematics on a linear axis enables versatile and efficient machining with up to 0.1-millimeter production tolerance.

25 Oct 2024 Compression Molding
Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.

24 Oct 2024 ATL/AFP
Mikrosam equips BTU Germany with single-tape AFP head for Type 5 pressure vessels
Delivery of upgraded placement head provides additional automated layup flexibility, quality control for the university’s latest projects advancing Type 4 and 5 hydrogen storage.

24 Oct 2024 Aerospace
VIDEO: High-rate composites production for aerospace
Westlake Epoxy’s process on display at CAMX 2024 reduces cycle time from hours to just 15 minutes.

23 Oct 2024 Machining/Drilling
Developing milling for CMC because grinding takes too long
Economical processes that can cut machining time by 70% are being tested on aeroengine turbine blade demonstrators by Hufschmied and DLR in the SCANCUT project.
Composites 101 See All

17 Jul 2024 Composites Basics
Five things you get with your CW subscription
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.

1 Jun 2024 Composites Basics
CW Tech Days — Upcoming and past events
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.

20 Feb 2024 Composites Basics
Composites end markets: Electronics (2024)
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.

25 Aug 2023 Composites Basics
Celebrating 30 years of CompositesWorld, Part 1
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.

21 Jul 2023 Composites Basics
The basics of composite drawing interpretation
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.

27 Jan 2023 Molds/Tools
Proper application of semi-permanent mold release systems
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.
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Webinars See All

14 Nov 2024
Reinventing Quality and Efficiency in Aviation: The Technology That Learned to Control
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. 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

19 Nov 2024
Navigating the Shift: Composite Solutions for Modern Aircraft Interiors
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.

21 Nov 2024
Composite Technology for Advanced Air Mobility Blades
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

3 Dec 2024
Troubleshooting Prepreg Cure Failure Modes with Rheological Measurements
Understanding the complexities of curing prepregs is crucial in composite material research. This study offers an in-depth exploration of prepreg cure failure modes drawing upon the capabilities of an encapsulated specimen rheometer that meets ASTM D7750. Central to the investigation are five determinants (out time, temperature, ramp rate, pressure and layup orientation) and their effects on a select grade of prepreg. By examining these parameters, the study highlights the optimal conditions and presents insights into cure states and viscosity levels, aiming to further the reliability and performance of composite materials.

10 Dec 2024
AI-Powered Scheduling for Composites: How Multi-Ply Automatically Generates Optimal Production Plans Within Minutes
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.

On Demand
Delivering RF and EMI Technologies for the Current and Future Fight
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.

6 Nov 2024 New & Upcoming
Transforming Composites: AI-Driven Inspection for Composite Fabrication Register Now
Events See All

13 Nov 2024
CW Tech Days: New Space Applications
This CW Tech Days virtual event will explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market. Presentations from industry experts will emphasize the use of composite materials in applications requiring the weight savings, structural benefits and ability to withstand extreme temperatures that only composites can provide.

4 Mar 2025
JEC World 2025
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.

5 Mar 2025
National Surface Finishing Day
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

18 Mar 2025
PTXPO 2025
PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.

25 Aug 2025
National Composites Week 2025
The goal of National Composites Week is to celebrate and bring attention to the myriad ways that composite materials and composites manufacturing contributes to the products and structures that shape the American manufacturing landscape today. Learn how you can participate in this year's National Composites Week on NationalCompositesWeek.com.
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Whitepapers See All

10 Jan 2024
Jetcam addresses the economic importance of efficient material nesting
Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.

8 Jan 2024
Arris Composites demonstrates advantages of natural fibers applied with Additive Molding
Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.

27 Dec 2023
Cevotec white paper presents novel approach for H2 tank production
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.

23 Nov 2023
KCARBON and KIST develop lyocell/PLA/wood biocomposites
Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.

1 Nov 2023
Exel Composites releases guide for design considerations in composite tubes
The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.

21 Jul 2023
UAMMI white paper addresses composites recycling in Utah
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.
Articles See All

28 Oct 2024 Marine
Evolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
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.

25 Oct 2024 Compression Molding
Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.

24 Oct 2024 CAMX
VIDEO: High-rate composites production for aerospace
Westlake Epoxy’s process on display at CAMX 2024 reduces cycle time from hours to just 15 minutes.

23 Oct 2024 Finishing & Fastening
Developing milling for CMC because grinding takes too long
Economical processes that can cut machining time by 70% are being tested on aeroengine turbine blade demonstrators by Hufschmied and DLR in the SCANCUT project.

21 Oct 2024 Work In Progress
Composite SIPs for more affordable, efficient and sustainable buildings
LiteSIP panels and modules enable framing in days, cutting structural labor and total cost by up to 70% and 30%, respectively, while increasing energy efficiency and durability.

18 Oct 2024 Design and Testing
Crashworthiness testing of composites: A building block approach, Part 1
Determining the crashworthiness of composite structures requires several levels of testing and analysis, starting with coupon-level crush testing.

30 Oct 2024 Post Cure
Post Cure: Continuous fiber injection reinforces 3D printed parts
Sustainability See All

28 Oct 2024 Work In Progress
Evolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
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.

25 Oct 2024 Sustainability
U.K. composite experts join SCALE-UP project supporting net-zero automotive tech
Advanced Propulsion Centre funding backs JLR, Helicoid, iCOMAT, Lineat Composites and others as they accelerate the growth of the U.K. automotive composite supply chain.

25 Oct 2024 Automotive
Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.

18 Oct 2024 Sustainability
Envalior launches Pocan PBT compounds range with bio-based BDO
Used cooking oil is used as a base material for the PBT precursor and certified under ISCC PLUS. Recycled fiberglass content can be added for additional carbon footprint reduction.

16 Oct 2024 Space
ILAuNCH explores 100% bio-epoxy resin suitability for space
Three partner universities in Australia aim to mature research for Change Climate’s Byoxy bio-epoxy resin formulation, relying on environmental simulation testing and structural composites expertise.

14 Oct 2024 Lifecycle Analysis
Evonik publishes life cycle assessment data in online database
Evonik has made LCA information available for its High Performance Polymers Plastics database, which incorporates its fiber-reinforced and transparent polyamide products.

30 Oct 2024 Marine
Nlcomp is selected as a World Sailing award finalist for rComposite
Knowledge Centers

Closed Molding Knowledge Center
Closed mold processes have many advantages over open molding. In this knowledge center, learn the basics and vital tools needed to produce parts accurately.

Automated Composites
In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.

Sustainability
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.

Sensors for Composite Processing

The Now and Next in Composites

CompositesWorld Collections
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.
CW Tech Days

Composites in Infrastructure and Construction
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.

Composites in Advanced Air Mobility
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
Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Sustainability in Composites Manufacturing
Explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
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.

New Space Applications
Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market.

Merging Materials and Technologies for Infrastructure and Construction
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.

Composites in the Hydrogen Economy
In these sessions, experts will discuss the emerging hydrogen economy and the opportunities for composites in this lucrative space.
Collections See All

Composites in Hydrogen Storage
A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.

Recycled Composites
This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.

Thermoplastic Composites
This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.

Tooling
This collection features recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

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Touchstone Research Laboratory

Touchstone Research Laboratory

AS SEEN ON CW

1142 Middle Creek Rd.
The Millenninum Centre
Tridelphia, WV 26059 US
304-547-5800
info@trl.com
trl.com

About Touchstone Research Laboratory

Provides custom composite tooling solutions from prototype to production tools, utilizing the company's carbon foam technology (CFOAM). Provides a full spectrum of products, from foam blocks, machining and autoclave services to turnkey tools and tooling build support.

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