Composites Processes

Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.

Optimized CFRP gantry beam enhances Ultimate cutting machines
Filament Winding

Optimized CFRP gantry beam enhances Ultimate cutting machines

CompoTech, Kongsberg PCS collaboration integrates foam-cored design, automated placement of pitch and PAN fibers to achieve award-winning increase in speed and precision.

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ELFOAM rigid foam products
Wabash

Latest Processes Articles

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Curing

Wisconsin Oven ships curing oven for filament-wound composites

Gas-fired batch oven is designed to process up to 5,000 pounds of filament-wound parts at a time, while delivering on optimal temperature uniformity and efficient use of floor space.

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Space

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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CEAD launches application-specific, cartesian-style Flexcube printing cell

Fully automated, all-in-one 3D printing platform handles high-rate industrial-sized composite parts printing and postprocessing in a compact, accessible design.

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Proving thermoplastic composites match carbon fiber/epoxy performance in road bikes

CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.

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Infusion

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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ATL/AFP

Addcomposites announces AFP-XS global install base milestone

More than 50 of the production-ready AFP solution for small- to medium-scale composite part manufacturing have been installed and is rapidly growing thanks to its affordability and versatility.

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Knowledge Centers

Sustainability
Sustainability

The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.

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U.S. Polychemical Acrastrip
Kent Pultrusion
Toray Advanced Composites hi-temperature materials
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Airtech International Inc.

Latest Processes News And Updates

Carbon Fibers

Xenia Materials launches 3DF filaments, expands into FDM, FFF

3D printing filament collection incorporates carbon fiber reinforcement, bio-based options.

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ATL/AFP

Mikrosam robotic filament winding cell to aid Cidetec composites projects

Delivery of the single-spindle robotic setup with an ATP head will advance the R&D organization’s work in CUBIC, GENEX and Carbo4power initiatives targeting sustainable composites development.

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Endless Industries launches Endless One continuous fiber 3D printer

Medium-scale printer demonstrates open industry and material capabilities for demanding structural needs.

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KraussMaffei expands composites, plastics capabilities at Brighton, Michigan facility

The site recently installed a powerPrint large-format AM system, thermoforming machine and more to serve customers in North America.

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Trends

Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction

Built with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and plant-based resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally conscious design for paddlers of all levels.

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Automation

RoMaNi 2 project enhances industrial robot flexibility for composites, metals machining

Newly developed milling kinematics on a linear axis enables versatile and efficient machining with up to 0.1-millimeter production tolerance.

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IRIS Ai-enabled Camera
Airtech
CompositesWorld
Keyland Polymer Webinar Coatings on Composite & AM
CompositesWorld

Featured Posts

Sustainability

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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Aerospace

VIDEO: High-rate composites production for aerospace

Westlake Epoxy’s process on display at CAMX 2024 reduces cycle time from hours to just 15 minutes.

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Developing milling for CMC because grinding takes too long

Economical processes that can cut machining time by 70% are being tested on aeroengine turbine blade demonstrators by Hufschmied and DLR in the SCANCUT project.

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Recycling

VIDEO: Recycling and machining carbon fiber scraps

Elevated Materials has partnered with ‪Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. to collect and upcycle reclaimed carbon fiber scraps into large billet laminates, which can then be cut into various parts using CNC mills.

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Braiding

Co-molding SMC with braided glass fiber demonstrates truck bed potential

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

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Avoiding pitfalls in the design of LFAM composite components

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

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Alpha’s Premier ESR®
NewStar Adhesives - Nautical Adhesives
CIJECT machines and monitoring systems
Release agents and process chemical specialties
Release agents and process chemical specialties