Sheet Molding Compound
Additives and modifiers: Matrix optimization
New and reengineered modifiers for thermosets and thermoplastics target previously elusive goals in composites processing and performance.
Read MoreRevisioning the Viper: Clamshell hood challenge
Autoclave-cured carbon-fiber prepreg hood/fender combo proves as technically formidable as it is visually stunning.
Read MoreSAMPE 2013 Long Beach new product showcase
The SAMPE 2013 trade show (May 6-9, in Long Beach, Calif.) was the venue for introductions of a large number of new composite materials, technologies and manufacturing processes. Here's the HPC editorial staff's compilation of what was on display.
Read MoreWhere is the automotive composites supply chain?
Long-time composites industry observer Dale Brosius, now a consultant and the president of Dayton, Ohio-based Quickstep Composites, the U.S. subsidiary of Australia-based Quickstep Technologies (Bankstown Airport, New South Wales), asks some hard questions about the composites industry's readiness to supply the auto industry with the materials and processes necessary to meet coming lightweighting challenges.
Read MoreJEC Europe 2013 new product showcase
The JEC Europe 2013 trade show (March 12-14, at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Paris, France) was the venue for introductions of a large number of new composite materials, technologies and manufacturing processes. Here's the CT editorial staff's compilation of what was on display.
Read MoreBio-composites update: Beyond eco-branding
No longer dependent only on their green credentials, some suppliers of bio-based fibers and resins are competing on price and performance.
Read MoreEvolution of tailored D-LFT
In the past two decades, two competing composite technologies — sheet-form glass-mat thermoplastic (GMT) and pelletized long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) — led to the development of a new form of glass-reinforced thermoplastic composite.
Read MoreHybrid thermoplastic molding: Toughening automotive composites
Tailored D-LFT with continuous and discontinuous glass offers best combination of strength, moldability.
Read MoreWill carbon fiber be ready to join the 54.5-mpg battle?
Guest columnists Lindsay Brooke, senior editor of the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) Automotive Engineering International magazine, says Carbon fiber’s decades-long promise in automotive composites might, indeed, be realized.
Read MoreFaster cycle, better surface: Out of the autoclave
GM is first automaker to use Class A CFRP parts from new pressure-press technology.
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