Processes

Focus on Design 25 Jan 2021

Liftgate design puts modified filament winding to the test

Heavily modified winding process produces light, structural support frame for performance-critical liftgate.

Ketones 22 Jan 2021

Victrex, Electroimpact achieve thermoset AFP speeds using thermoplastics

Using Electroimpact’s AFP technology and Victrex’s low-melt PAEK prepreg tape, the companies report laydown speeds of 4,000 inches per minute.

Prepregs 22 Jan 2021

Tow steering, Part 2: The next generation

Wings on next-generation commercial aircraft will be longer, thinner, more aerodynamic and more efficient. They also are ideal candidates for the application of steered tows. One project aimed to design, fabricate and quantify a tow-steered wing skin.

Ketones 21 Jan 2021

Manufacturing the upper half of the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD)

Proving industrial reliability for low-cost thermoplastic composites production using AFP in-situ consolidation, as well as continuous ultrasonic and resistance welding.

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Filament Winding 20 Jan 2021

Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket reaches space

Air-launched, liquid-fueled rocket makes historical debut with successfully targeted orbit and 10 NASA NSP payloads deployed.

Adhesives 20 Jan 2021

Troubleshooting failures in adhesive-bonded composite joints

Cause of adhesive bonding inconsistencies or failure may be numerous. According to Louis Dorworth, the following points should be examined to determine the culprit.

Infusion 18 Jan 2021

Composites design helps nano-sized lunar rover hit big milestones

Developed by Carnegie Mellon University, the ultralight, composites-intensive Iris nano-rover will make its lunar debut later this year.

Cutting/Kitting 4 Jan 2021

Airborne, JETCAM develop digital interface for automated kitting

Integration of Airborne’s automated kitting solution and JETCAM’s CrossTrack software provides seamless data exchange for automated kitting of composite plies.

Out of Autoclave 31 Dec 2020

VeeloHEAT Caul enables in-situ hot debulking capabilities

Built on existing debulk bagging procedures, Veelo Technologies’ debulking solution can take place at the tool during layup, reducing costs and improving throughput.