Out of Autoclave
Low-volume thermoplastics: Differential pressure molding
Cost-effective tooling and presses enable semi-automated prototyping and low-volume production of thermoplastic composites.
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Single bagging can do the job
Mechnical engineer Peter Schwarzel (CarbonWorks, Coombabah, Queensland, Australia) comments on the “Engineering Insights” article in the CT December 2010 issue, titled “Double-bag infusion: 70 percent fiber volume?”
Read MorePerformance requirements: CAI vs. OHC
John Russell, who manages nonautoclave research programs for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio), recently threw down the gauntlet at the Fall SAMPE conference in Salt Lake City, Utah: “Give us a 25 percent improvement in notch properties with no microcracking in high-modulus fibers.” While OOA prepreg suppliers can’t do much about fiber microcracking, Advanced Composites Group (ACG, Tulsa, Okla.) already has announced that its XMTM47 material will be commercial by next year, designed for 120°C/248°F service with the increased notched performance requested.
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Out-of-autoclave prepregs: Hype or revolution?
Oven-cured, vacuum-bagged prepregs show promise in production primary structures.
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New filament to make composites "smart"
CW Conferences director Scott Stephenson premiers a showcase for new ideas overheard at CW Conferences.
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GKN A350 spar program update
Automated fiber placement to replace established tape laying/drape forming process for the composite rear spars on the new midsize commercial passenger jet.
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Maintaining fiber length in complex 3-D designs
Award-winning composite pallet showcases new LFT molding process from South Africa.
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Life Cycle Assessment: Are composites "green"?
Methods for calculating the impact composites have on the environment enable data-driven comparisons to traditional materials on a level playing field.
Read MoreDouble-bag infusion: Thickness gradient and pressure
Cliff Walker (Vacmobiles, Auckland, New Zealand), explains how the large pressure changes during infusion result in laminate compression and thickness variations across the part.
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