Processes
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.
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Rapid Manufacturing, Part II: Pioneer Applications
Harbingers of what could be a significant trend, these composites manufacturers demonstrate the potential of additive fabrication and several innovative materials in tool-free manufacture of complex components.
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Rapid Manufacturing, Part I: The Technologies
An outgrowth of rapid prototyping, tool-free additive fabrication is shortening product development cycles for manufacturers of smaller, limited-run composite parts.
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Taking Subjectivity out of Class A Surface Evaluation
Toward the goal of more consistent, repeatable and quantifiable Class A surface analysis, automakers and systems suppliers are developing and employing automated surface inspection tools.
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There are no bad ideas
Whenever we, as an editorial staff, sit down to begin planning editorial features and other articles for the coming year, we get our ideas from a variety of sources.
Read MoreATL and AFP: Defining the megatrends in composite aerostructures
Automated tape laying and automated fiber placement technologies take a key enabling role in production of today’s — and tomorrow’s — composite-airframed commercial jets.
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Automating and optimizing autoclave cure
Software-based autoclave control system increases company’s cure throughput by 35 percent and frees engineers for more productive work.
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Composites Protect Pipe in Downhole Environment
Glass-reinforced epoxy provides a durable and affordable liner for alternative pipe used in enhanced oil recovery.
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Pultruders need some self-control
Pultrusion veteran Joe Sumerak argues that in today’s more-competitive global marketplace, pultruders can no longer afford to overprice their products to compensate for process and supervision inefficiency.
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Chemical vapor deposition of diamond material helps reduce cutting time, increase quality for JSF wing skins
Who wouldn’t give $105,000 to gain $222 million? Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. (LMAC, Ft. Worth, Texas) did and in the process was able to fabricate dimension-critical aerostructures more efficiently, more accurately, and faster. LMAC is a major components manufacturer for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), the
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