Composites End Markets
Explore market applications of composites including — but not limited to— aerospace, automotive, infrastructure, defense, marine, mass transit, consumer, wind/energy and urban air mobility. And, bookmark our composites market outlook.
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Vertical Aerospace completes Phase 2 piloted flight testing
VX4 eVTOL aircraft prototype begins untethered, piloted, thrust-borne testing following expansion of permit to fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
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Beta begins Alia CTOL production aircraft flight testing
Flight of first production aircraft fresh off Beta’s full-scale manufacturing line in Vermont is followed by Special Airworthiness certification from the FAA.
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Lilium launches M&A process, targets eVTOL program continuation
Despite court-approved insolvency filings and beginning first investor briefings, Lilium remains fully focused on re-emerging following restructuring, setting its sights on fresh investment to support the Lilium Jet.
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Archer Aviation signs eVTOL aircraft purchase with Japan
Japan Airlines’ and Sumitomo’s joint venture company intends to purchase up to 100 Midnight aircraft to certify and commercialize AAM services across Japan.
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Hexagon Agility receives wave of RNG fuel system orders for Class 8 trucks
RNG/CNG fuel system installations with Type 4 CFRP pressure vessels, powered by Cummins’ 15-liter natural gas tank, adds 230,000 heavy-duty trucks to the addressable RNG/CNG market annually.
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VoltAero opens facility in France for Cassio aircraft
VoltAero inaugurates its industrial facility in Rochefort for the final assembly line for the family of Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft, to incorporate composite elements.
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Swedish parking garage to incorporate decommissioned wind blades
Architect Jonas Lloyd is working with Vattenfall to design the multistory building with a wind blade façade, targeting eco-friendly buildings and creative ways to remove blades from landfills.
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ORPC Ireland, Queen’s begin X-Flow project for hydrokinetic turbine testing
Deployment of CFRP turbine technology to Strangford Lough will provide insight into blade and rotor performance, predictive maintenance and grid-scale benefits of tidal energy using real tide conditions.
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Gurit announces strategic alignment to preserve wind leadership, accelerate growth in other markets
While expected wind business revenue did not materialize for Q3 2024, Gurit is actively implementing measures to diversify its portfolio and position it for a wind sale increase in 2025.
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ECORES WIND builds on wind blade circularity initiatives
Latest Horizon Europe project seeks to introduce innovative circular resins combined with advanced disassembly strategies, enabling cost-effective blade decommissioning and material reuse.
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MingYang completes 20-MW offshore wind turbine installation
The MySE18.X-20MW, located in China, becomes the largest single-capacity offshore wind turbine on the market.
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BlueWind secures contract with GE Vernova to manufacture wind turbine nacelle covers
With more than 2,000 2X nacelle covers manufactured, the company expands its supply with the WT20 model
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SPE ACCE 2024 highlights innovation across industry, academia
SPE shares highlights, award recipients, exhibitors, speakers and more from its 2024 Automotive Composites Conference & Expo (ACCE).
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Aptera completes function test for first production-intent sEV
First initial testing of the production vehicle’s BinC composite body structure, drivetrain and battery pack demonstrates progress toward real-world validation.
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Bucci features 20-inch center lock version of carbon fiber wheel
Bucci Composites introduces new carbon fiber wheel option for high-performance automotive applications.
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U.K. composite experts join SCALE-UP project supporting net-zero automotive tech
Advanced Propulsion Centre funding backs JLR, Helicoid, iCOMAT, Lineat Composites and others as they accelerate the growth of the U.K. automotive composite supply chain.
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Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
HP Composites’ AirPower technology enables high-rate CFRP roof production with 50% energy savings for the Maserati MC20.
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AOC introduces UV-Resistant Automotive System for SMC parts
AOC’s novel formulation, tested in the lab and in real-world environments, delivers a deep black, molded-in color that resists fading and offers high scratch resistance.
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Spirit sells off Fiber Materials Inc. business to Tex-Tech Industries
Purchase agreement of high-temperature materials business will be added to Tex-Tech’s specialty textiles and fabrics portfolio following customary approvals.
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Bell selects Wichita for FLRAA fuselage assembly site
Supporting work will take place at several of Bell’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Texas, including Bell’s Advanced Composite Center in Fort Worth, and final assembly in Amarillo.
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GKN Aerospace revitalizes defense supply chain with C-27J nacelle deliveries
Successful engagement of more than 40 suppliers reestablishes the company’s composite and assembly manufacturing capabilities, secures business continuity for the next 5 years with Leonardo Aircraft.
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Composites business growth through diversification, innovation
San Diego-based 2024 Top Shops qualifier Rock West Composites gives an overview of its relentless commitment to improvement, including its composite capabilities and its role as a trusted player in the space market.
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Integris Composites becomes U.S. Army FLRAA armor supplier
New contract with Bell Texton Inc. will equip the Bell V-280 Valor with fit-for-purpose composite military armor.
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Pyromeral quality certifications support CMC compliance requirements
ITAR and JCP certifications enable aerospace and defense customers to benefit from Pyromeral’s thermal management solutions.
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CorPower Ocean secures funding to commercialize wave energy
CorPower Ocean announces significant investment in its wave energy technology that converts its motion into electricity via a filament-wound fiberglass buoy design.
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NCC, BCI, Vestas collaborate to enhance wind blade technology development
NCC, BCI and Vestas have established the U.K. Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan, aiming to accelerate wind blade technology development and lower energy costs.
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ZEBRA project demonstrates closed-loop wind recycling system
Consortium partners have proven the complete recycling of thermoplastic wind turbines via two manufactured wind blades, featuring reduced operating cost, CO2 emissions.
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Solico software suite now includes horizontal tank module
Solico Engineering introduces the module to complete its Amphora calculation tool, made for the design of fiber-reinforced silos and tanks.
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Reaction Dynamics earns CSA grant for composite propellant tanks, hybrid rocket fuel
The $1.5 million grant boosts the Canadian company’s goal to advance its Aurora orbital launch vehicle program.
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Hexagon Digital Wave requalifies 750+ composite tube trailers
Mobile Pipeline and Virtual Pipeline trailer testing was achieved via modal acoustic emission, which eliminates invasive testing methods, trailer downtime and additional GHG emissions.
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SGL Carbon carbon fiber enables German road bridge milestone
A 64-meter road bridge installed with carbon fiber reinforcement is said to feature a first in modern European bridge construction, in addition to reducing construction costs and CO2 emissions.
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CSub delivers one-piece composite truss bridge in Norway
EPC supplier has fabricated, transported and delivered a 42-meter composite bridge intended for pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Composites reinvent infrastructure
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to evolve the way we approach infrastructure projects.
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CCG meets customer demand with StormStrong utility pole lineup
Additional diameters build on the portfolio of resilient FRP pole structures for distribution and light pole customers.
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Composites end markets: Infrastructure and construction (2024)
Composites are increasingly used in applications like building facades, bridges, utility poles, wastewater treatment pipes, repair solutions and more.
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KU researchers explore FRP materials for dams, levee reinforcement
To address aging infrastructure, a team of researchers at KU is conducting research into repairing and retrofitting 700-plus dams, levees and related structures nationwide using FRP materials.
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Arris debuts consumer-driven brand for carbon fiber tech
Limited-edition products, from footwear to phone cases, will be available through Aurorra by Arris.
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DITF, Fiber Engineering highlight biodegradable natural fiber plant pot project
Materials and fabrication process R&D achieves low-cost, compostable plant pots made from invasive hyacinth fibers and a thermoplastic matrix processed via hot press.
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Carbitex secures capital for next phase of growth in carbon fiber plate footwear
Carbitex Inc. announces the close of a recent funding round, aiding its 2-year effort to restructure the company and expand its global market presence.
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Self-balancing electric mobility vehicle developed by Genny Factory SA, RadiciGroup, Acerbis
The two-wheeled personal transporter was redesigned from metal to composite and plastic components to reduce weight while meeting performance standards.
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Syensqo provides PARA resin for Artiphon musical instrument
Artiphon has chosen Syensqo’s Ixef PARA fiber-filled resin in the production of Chorda, its custom handheld electronic musical instrument.
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Glass fiber-reinforced Akulon RePurposed recyclate enables Ahrend sustainable office chair
Envalior 30% glass fiber-reinforced Akulon RePurposed material helps Ahrend achieve lighter task chair with closed-loop value chain and reduced emissions.
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Antelope Valley School District launches second composites lab at Lancaster High
Lancaster, California lab aims to equip students with skills for immediate workforce entry, community college or further education in engineering, addressing the demand for aerospace workers.
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Project Greenlift to develop ground-effect Cicada222x prototype
Bio-inspired Australian-made craft featuring hemp-reinforced fuselage panels and sustainable fuel capabilities is positioned to meet disaster relief, e-commerce and military needs.
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ESA collaboration brings Altair software to aerospace, space startups
Access to Altair simulation, AI and data analytics solutions and consulting options to ESA Partnership Initiative for Commercialisation (EPIC) organizations aims to diversify, support aerospace companies.
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FACC Q3 earnings signal strong aerospace growth trajectory
A 25.1% increase in revenue and a quadrupled EBIT are being reinforced by initiatives to improve workforce shortages and implement thermoplastic composites into future aircraft.
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NASA selects Electra for hybrid-electric aircraft concepts in AACES 2050 Program
Electra will identify and deliver various concepts and technologies for future sustainable commercial airline development, which could enter service by mid-century.
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Leonardo Aerostructures can no longer wait on Boeing solution, explores carve-out, alliances
After continued reductions (-36-41%) in 787 production, this key supply chain link for fuselage sections and other composite parts looks at restructuring options for the Grottaglie facility and Aerostructures Division.
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Büfa partners with Končar to develop composite electric rail platform
Končar-Električna to use Büfa fire-retardant composite materials for electric vehicle development.
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SABIC debuts EN45545 rail-compliant, fiber-reinforced compound
LNP Thermocomp AM DC0041XA51 offers the rail industry a solution that can be used for on-demand printing of large, complex exterior and interior parts in relatively small build numbers.
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Composite sidewall cover expands options for fire-safe rail components
R&D project by CG Rail explores use of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and recycled manufacturing scrap to meet fire safety, weight and volume targets.
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Longtime partner New Flyer selects Hexagon Purus to outfit hydrogen transit bus
Hexagon Purus will continue to supply Type IV hydrogen tanks for the Xcelsior Charge H2 fuel cell electric bus, the tanks of which will be produced out of Hexagon’s new Maryland facility.
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LIST opens innovation center focusing on sustainable composite materials
The Sustainable Composite Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (SCMM) will be supported by major players in rail, aerospace, automotive and space to transition sustainable composites research to commercialization.
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Hexagon Purus opens new U.S. facility to manufacture composite hydrogen tanks
CW attends the opening of Westminster, Maryland, site and shares the company’s history, vision and leading role in H2 storage systems.
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Developing bonded composite repair for ships, offshore units
Bureau Veritas and industry partners issue guidelines and pave the way for certification via StrengthBond Offshore project.
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Bio-based composite Skaw A foiling scow yacht is built with Greenpoxy resins
Sicomin has partnered with Skaw Sailing and Shoreteam to deliver a foiling yacht design for cruising that embodies durability and performance with a low environmental impact.
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Sunreef Yachts completes 43-meter single-shot hull infusion project
Sunreef 43M Eco electric catamaran, with a composite surface of 1,700 square meters, is considered to have the world’s largest infused hull.
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MarineShift360 project launches new initiatives for marine industry sustainability
Life cycle assessment (LCA) tool and Industry Accelerator and University Outreach programs are designed to fast-track decarbonization as regulatory frameworks tighten and consumer demand for sustainability grows.
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Nlcomp is selected as a World Sailing award finalist for rComposite
Third World Sailing award nomination highlights the company’s focus on marine innovation using sustainable composite materials.
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Evolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.
Read MoreLatest Construction Articles
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GFRP Tech launches South African facility for GFRP rebar production
Said to be the first of its kind in this region, GFRP Tech will manufacture, test and supply flagship EnviraBar and EnviraMesh products to support South Africa’s infrastructure modernization.
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Composite SIPs for more affordable, efficient and sustainable buildings
LiteSIP panels and modules enable framing in days, cutting structural labor and total cost by up to 70% and 30%, respectively, while increasing energy efficiency and durability.
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U.S. grant is awarded for patented SIP composites formwork system
ConTech stay-in-place (SIP) technology, made from recycled composite materials, replaces the use of reinforcing steel in the construction of flat, elevated concrete surfaces.
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Arkema, Sireg Geotech introduce bendable rebar
Sireg Glasspree TP bars, manufactured with Elium thermoplastic resin provides the construction industry with a recyclable, strong and energy-efficient rebar option over steel.
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Duplicor biocomposites to advance Netherlands housing construction
Holland Composites is developing bio-based, fire-resistant floor elements for the Aer housing concept, achieves milestone in supporting customer sustainability.
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Norco GFRP molds meet high-quality cast concrete beam production needs
A project with P&M successfully achieved manufacture of six 20-meter-long architectural beams for an R&D facility with near-seamless surfaces and on a tight production schedule.
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Production-ready Dufour Aero2 drone undergoes hover flight
The composites-intensive VTOL platform is next expected to undergo a series of test flights in various conditions to validate its performance, safety and reliability, leading up to eventual certification.
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Midnight eVTOL surpasses 400 test flights ahead of schedule
Over the last 8 months, Archer Aviation has completed a total of 402 test flights with its composites-intensive aircraft, adding to key milestones.
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DLR conducts aeroelastic vibration tests on Volocopter VoloCity
Analyzing structural resonance of the aircraft under various loads becomes a critical step in obtaining flight certification.
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Upcoming AZL project focuses on propellers, rotors for air mobility, wind energy systems
Launch of the “Propellers and Rotors” Joint Partner Project looks to the potential of composite materials and technologies for future product concepts.
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Aska A5 prototype achieves tethered unmanned flight testing
Full-scale experimental aircraft continues to successfully progress through its flight testing regimen, to be followed by conventional flight and transitioning.
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Midnight eVTOL developments to scale up, grow platform reach across U.S.
Archer Aviation has made several key announcements including additional secured equity capital, network plans in LA and updates to a contract with the U.S. Air Force.
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AnalySwift receives NASA STTR contract to enable second-use spacecraft infrastructure
Together with Purdue, AnalySwift aims to develop a composite heater layer and a novel software tool or module to achieve assembly, disassembly of thermoplastic composite joints in space during long-duration missions.
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ORNL, Sierra Space create novel C/SiC TPS for reusable space vehicles
CMC tiles will be used on the Sierra Space DC100 Dream Chaser spaceplane carrying critical supplies and science experiments to and from NASA’s ISS.
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Firefly Aerospace closes oversubscribed $175 million Series D raise
The end-to-end space transportation company looks to its future launch, lunar and on-orbit services and capabilities.
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Intuitive Machines debuts moon buggy for Artemis program
IM’s Moon RACER is one of three lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) designs being considered by NASA for future operations on the lunar surface.
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VIDEO: Rock West's growth in the space sector
Rock West Composites’ chief strategy officer discusses recent surge in space applications on the CAMX 2024 show floor.
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University of Bristol launches composite materials to space for ISS testing
Next-gen carbon fiber materials will be tested under extreme conditions for 12-18 months to determine their viability in space for use in future space bases, interplanetary travel.
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Latest Markets News And Updates
Manta Aircraft, Shenyang Aviation establish AAM aircraft partnership
The focus of accelerated development is on Manta’s Ann Plus vehicle model, offering a complete carbon fiber structure and VTOL and STOL operation capabilities.
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Graphmatech launches Aros polyamide-graphene for Type 4 tanks, secures grant
Combination of polyamide grades and graphene introduces low-permeation solution for upscaling H2 storage, transport applications.
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Beta Technologies raises $300 million to fund AAM growth, commercialization
Series C capital raise will be used to propel the certification of Beta’s composites-intensive Alia CTOL, Alia VTOL and electric motors, while directly supporting ramp-up of production, delivery of aircraft and chargers.
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AAM startup Lilium to file for self-administered insolvency
Two of its principal subsidiaries will file for insolvency and apply for self-administration, follows failed loan efforts from German parliament’s Budget Committee, Bavarian government.
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Mikrosam equips BTU Germany with single-tape AFP head for Type 5 pressure vessels
Delivery of upgraded placement head provides additional automated layup flexibility, quality control for the university’s latest projects advancing Type 4 and 5 hydrogen storage.
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Toyota invests $500 million in Joby Aviation
Toyota Motor Corp. is investing an additional $500 million to support the certification and commercial production of Joby Aviation Inc.’s eVTOL aircraft.
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Featured Posts
Composites reinvent energy
Celebrating National Composites Week 2024, CW looks at how composites are being used to provide the next generation of energy.
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Composites reinvent aerospace, AAM and space
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to make a significant impact in aerospace and space market developments.
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Composites end markets: Automotive (2024)
Recent trends in automotive composites include new materials and developments for battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and recycled and bio-based materials.
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Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.
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Composites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)
The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.
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Forvia moves toward more sustainable automotive composites manufacturing
Automotive technology supplier Forvia shares sustainability goals and recent developments aimed at bio-based and recycled materials and ramping up hydrogen tank production for clean mobility.
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