Autoclave

Autoclave 30 Dec 2008

787 integrates new composite wing deicing system

The composite wing leading edge on Boeing’s Dreamliner features an integrated heating element that incorporates a sprayed metal conductive layer within the laminate stack.

Weaving 4 Nov 2008

Unmanned rotorcraft passes stringent German Navy shipboard tests

CAMCOPTER’s high strength-to-weight ratio is made possible by composite materials.

Autoclave 4 Nov 2008

MOM software solves debonding problem in manufacturing process

When Composites Atlantic Ltd. (CAL, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada) contracted to produce 10 types of parts for leading edge and rudder components and deliver them on a biweekly schedule to a key aerospace customer, trouble soon cropped up.

Out of Autoclave 21 Oct 2008

Wind Blade Manufacturing: Are thermoplastic composites the future?

In a market dominated by thermoset composites, some wind turbine blade manufacturers are actively pursuing new composite blade designs featuring faster-processing reinforced thermoplastics.

Adhesives 20 Oct 2008

Composites stabilize space-based telescope

Composite Primary Mirror Backplane Support Structure to hold James Webb Space Telescope’s thermal stability within extremely tight 38-nm dimensional tolerance.

Prepregs 13 Sep 2008

Prepreg forecast: Strong growth through 2013

Prepreg applications are on the rise in the composites industry as manufacturers in a variety of industries increasingly adopt this versatile material. Today, prepregs find use in commercial aerospace, military/defense, general aviation, space/satellite, marine, sporting goods, automotive, civil engineering, wind

Aerospace 9 Sep 2008

2008 Farnborough Airshow Report

This biennial aerospace showcase underscores the ascendancy of composites in airframes and jet engines.

Autoclave 9 Sep 2008

ATL and AFP: Signs of evolution in machine process control

Improved machine-control software, placement accuracy and design simulation have made automated fiber placement and tape laying machines truly production-worthy. The evolution, however, still continues.