Out of Autoclave

Molds/Tools

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.

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Composite resins price change report

CW’s running summary of resin price change announcements from major material suppliers that serve the composites manufacturing industry.

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Thermoplastics

COMPINNOV TP2 project promotes use of thermoplastics in aerospace

Completed in 2023, COMPINNOV TP2 explored thermoplastic composites, enhancing the understanding between prepregs and production methods to foster the potential for French aerospace innovation.

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Aerospace

From the CW Archives: Airbus A400M cargo door

The inaugural CW From the Archives revisits Sara Black’s 2007 story on out-of-autoclave infusion used to fabricate the massive composite upper cargo door for the Airbus A400M military airlifter.

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Autoclave

VIDEO: One-Piece, OOA Infusion for Aerospace Composites

Tier-1 aerostructures manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems developed an out-of-autoclave (OOA), one-shot resin infusion process to reduce weight, labor and fasteners for a multi-spar aircraft torque box. 

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Curing

SmartValves offer improvements over traditional vacuum bag ports

Developed to resolve tilting and close-off issues, SmartValves eliminate cutting through vacuum bags while offering reduced process time and maintenance.

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Out of Autoclave

GKN Aerospace, Joby Aviation sign aerostructures agreement

GKN Aerospace will manufacture thermoplastic composite flight control surfaces for Joby’s all-electric, four-passenger, composites-intensive ride-sharing aircraft.

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Out of Autoclave

CompPair adds swift prepreg line to HealTech Standard product family

The HealTech Standard product family from CompPair has been expanded with the addition of CS02, a swift prepreg line.

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Thermoplastics

MFFD thermoplastic floor beams — OOA consolidation for next-gen TPC aerostructures

GKN Fokker and Mikrosam develop AFP for the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s floor beams and OOA consolidation of 6-meter spars for TPC rudders, elevators and tails.

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Aerospace

PEEK vs. PEKK vs. PAEK and continuous compression molding

Suppliers of thermoplastics and carbon fiber chime in regarding PEEK vs. PEKK, and now PAEK, as well as in-situ consolidation — the supply chain for thermoplastic tape composites continues to evolve.

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Wabash
ELFOAM rigid foam products
Adhesives for Composite Materials
Toray Advanced Composites hi-temperature materials
Airtech
NewStar Adhesives - Nautical Adhesives
ColorForm multi-component injection
Alpha’s Premier ESR®
Airtech International Inc.