Reinforcements
Resins for the Fast Zone
An automotive supplier must have the ability to produce a composite part in a minute, or at least in minutes — not hours or days, the norm for composites in most other industries. Meeting that part-per-minutes goal is a huge hurdle that a few composite fabricators have cleared, and many more are involved in development efforts, with OEM or Tier partners. CompositesWorld reviews how resin suppliers have evolved their products for this critical market.
Read MoreShelby GT350R features carbon fiber wheels
Ford worked with Australia-based Carbon Revolution to develop the one-piece all-carbon fiber wheels, which save 60 lb in weight but provide better steering response.
Read MoreBespoke sports cars’ composite body speaks volumes
Glass-reinforced plastic artfully captures classic curves, crash-protects passengers and stunningly packages its maker’s high-performance but highly fuel-efficient diesel powertrain.
Read MoreComposite air brakes: Stopping the world’s fastest car
CFRP sandwich structures a key element of deceleration in the Bloodhound SSC rocket-powered racer’s two-run attempt at resetting the land speed record.
Read MoreComposites enable innovative prototype for snow mountain bike
A group of engineering students from the University of Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada) believe mountain biking should be enjoyed year-round.
WatchTires that never go flat
SciTech Industries and Rapid Composites develop high-volume production tires that use glass fiber/PET composite springs instead of innertubes and compressed air.
Read MoreThermoplastic composites technology: A view from Europe
For this Dutch consortium, bringing the manufacturability of thermoplastic materials to maturity is the goal in concert with OEMs, materials and equipment supplier members.
Read MoreFirst all-carbon yacht a winner
Vacuum infusion with customized fabrics enables demanding yacht build
Read MoreRevisiting some past perspectives
CW columnist and composites-industry consultant Dale Brosius takes a look back at some past "Perspectives & Provocations" columns with an eye to how the perspectives then match up with the realities of today's high-performance composites market.
Read More