BMI

Autoclave 12 Jan 2015

Tooling (2015)

Composite parts are formed in molds, also known as tools. Tools can be made from virtually any material. The material type, shape and complexity depend upon the part and length of production run. Here's a short summary of the issues involved in electing and making tools.

Out of Autoclave 5 May 2023

Fiber reinforcement forms

Fibers used to reinforce composites are supplied directly by fiber manufacturers and indirectly by converters in a number of different forms, which vary depending on the application. Here's a guide to what's available.

Aerospace 12 Jan 2015

The matrix (2015)

The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here's a guide to selection.

Compression Molding 9 Jan 2015

Fabrication methods (2015)

There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.

Hi-Temp Resins 6 Jan 2015

Benzoxazines for OOA tooling

Can infusible formulations of this newer resin system produce aerospace-capable tools?

Plant Tours 6 Jan 2015

Plant tour: ATK Aerospace Structures, Clearfield, Utah, U.S.

High-volume, high-precision fiber and tape placement for the aerospace industry are among many specialties for this composites manufacturing behemoth.

Aerospace 6 Jan 2015

Composites in commercial aircraft engines, 2014-2023

The drive to boost aircraft operating efficiency continues to fuel adoption of polymer matrix composites in jet engines.

Out of Autoclave 1 Oct 2014

PCB environmental concern: Hit and miss

Efforts to eliminate substances deemed environmentally unfriendly by consumers have already had a significant impact on the printed circuit board (PCB) market.

Adhesives 1 Oct 2014

Printed circuit boards: A mobile market

Glass fiber/epoxy prepregs have dominated the mammoth PCB market for decades. Will that continue in a time of great change?

Out of Autoclave 30 Sep 2014

CAMX offers unprecedented new product access

CAMX 2014, Oct. 13-16 in Orlando, Fla., promises to be North America's largest ever composites trade show and conference. As a result, exhibitors are coming to the event with a wide array of new and existing materials, machinery, software and technology designed to help make composites fabrication faster, easier and more adaptable. CompositesWorld has been gathering information from CAMX exhibitors about what they will be featuring and introducing in their booths. This week's CAMX newsletter offers a preview of some of what you will find on the show floor.