BMI
Carbon/BMI and carbon foam form Invar alternative
For years, Invar steel has been the material of choice for tooling that must endure repeated autoclave cycling in volume part production. Invar's disadvantage is its relatively high density and resulting large mass. As processors move away from hand layup and toward automated fiber and tape placement, there is a
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Tooling Update: New dimensions in tooling
Nanoenhancements, out-of-autoclave strategies and low-pressure RTM headline efforts to increase mold quality and productivity and cut tool cost.
Read MoreResin infusion processes
Ever-increasing demand for faster production rates has pressed the industry to replace hand layup with alternative fabrication processes and has encouraged fabricators to automate those processes wherever possible. A common alternative is resin transfer molding (RTM), sometimes referred to as liquid molding. RTM is a
Read MoreResin matrices: Thermosets
Unsaturated polyester resins are the most widely used in commercial, mass-production applications, thanks to their ease of handling, good balance of mechanical, electrical and chemical properties and relatively low cost. Typically coupled with glass fiber reinforcements, polyesters adapt well to a range of fabrication
Read MoreTooling considerations
The molds used for forming composites, also known as tools, can be made from virtually any material. For parts cured at ambient or low temperature, or for prototyping, where tight control of dimensional accuracy isn't required, materials such as fiberglass, high-density foams, machinable epoxy "boards"or even clay or
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Bonding Technology: Thermosetting Structural Adhesives
A wealth of epoxies, polyurethanes and acrylics speed assembly and cut manufacturing cost in an ever-wider range of composites applications.
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Carbon fiber: Life Beyond the Landfill
Reclamation technologies give scrapped aerospace-grade carbon fiber new possibilities and a lower price point in nonstructural/conductive applications.
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Boeing 787 Update
Approaching rollout and first flight, the 787 relies on innovations in composite materials and processes to hit its targets
Read MoreAdvanced materials for aircraft interiors
Applications aren't as demanding as airframe composites, but requirements are still exacting — passenger safety is key.
Read MoreJEC Composites 2006 Product Showcase - 7/1/2006
Advanced composites continue to lead the economic upswing in the composites industry.
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