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.

PUR composite sandwich panels for 3D automotive parts, high-volume panels and more
Sustainability

PUR composite sandwich panels for 3D automotive parts, high-volume panels and more

At its U.S. sites, Ascorium produces glass fiber/PUR 3D parts via semi-automated molding, high-volume flat panels via a continuous line while working toward bio-based PUR and recycling.

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Wabash
Adhesives for Composite Materials

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VIDEO: Precision fabrication of honeycomb materials

MachineTek showcases its precision fabrication of honeycomb materials at CAMX 2024.

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RTM

McClarin Composites partners with ExxonMobil to accelerate high-speed RTM

Multimillion-dollar investment to drive next-gen automated RTM technology will open new applications and markets for composites OEMs.

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Pressure Vessels

Braided thermoplastic composite H2 tanks with co-consolidated molded boss areas to fit EV battery space

BRYSON project demonstrates possible designs, automated manufacturing and low permeability concepts, including EVOH liner and novel PPA matrix.

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Norco enhances composites expertise via large-format AM equipment investment

3D printers, five-axis machining and software equipment additions to a dedicated CNC facility will support growth of Norco’s existing capabilities and build market diversity.

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Carbon Fibers

Determining steel/composite failure load of bonded repair assemblies

Bureau Veritas and partners use a novel equivalent interface test specimen and simulation to predict failure load in bonded composite patch repairs to steel structures.

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Large-format AM speeds plug production for manufacture of composite boat molds

Hungarian manufacturer Rapid Prototyping transitioned its conventional foam milling process to 3D printing to produce faster, higher quality, recyclable foam plugs and composite boat molds.

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Knowledge Centers

CW Tech Days: Sustainability
CW Tech Days: Sustainability

This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

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Automated Composites
Automated Composites

In the Automated Composites knowledge center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites, from the manufacturing processes to the vendors and necessary tools.

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The CAMX Forecast
The CAMX Forecast

Headed to CAMX? Preview the technology before the show!

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ELFOAM rigid foam products
Toray Advanced Composites hi-temperature materials
Eliminate Quality Escapes  With LASERVISION AI
HEATCON Composite Systems
CompositesWorld

Latest Processes News And Updates

Filament Winding

Polar Technology announces filament winder installation

Machine addition to a larger dedicated cell will support the company’s higher volume composites manufacturing capabilities and future growth plans.

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Infusion

Composite Integration adds real-time resin degassing measuring to Ciject equipment

Ciject resin infusion and injection machinery now offers real-time resin degassing measurement technology that uses sensors and software to continuously monitor the state of resin during the degassing process.

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Glass Fibers

ORNL demonstrates lightning strike protection tech for composites

Researchers, led by Vipin Kumar, developed a low-cost, recyclable carbon fiber wind turbine blade tip that showed resilience to high-voltage lightning strikes, with more innovations in store.

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Caracol, AES forge LFAM-centered partnership

AES’ LFAM services, backed by Caracol’s Heron AM 3D printing platform, target an innovation boost in aerospace- and defense-specific composite and metal applications.

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RTM

Bcomp, Temca achieve intricate composite cladding for French school façade

A combination of flax and glass fibers went into the development of 880 openwork, shade-providing panels for an international school in France.

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Bonding

Submit abstract to speak at CW Bonding and Welding Tech Days in April

Online event in spring 2025 will feature six presentations exploring reliable methods for the assembly and joining of composite components. Abstract deadline is Feb. 3, 2025.

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recycle carbon fiber
Alpha’s Premier ESR®
Airtech
ColorForm multi-component injection
Airtech International Inc.

Featured Posts

Glass Fibers

VIDEO: High-volume processing for fiberglass components

Cannon Ergos, a company specializing in high-ton presses and equipment for composites fabrication and plastics processing, displayed automotive and industrial components at CAMX 2024.

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Focus on Design

All-recycled, needle-punched nonwoven CFRP slashes carbon footprint of Formula 2 seat

Dallara and Tenowo collaborate to produce a race-ready Formula 2 seat using recycled carbon fiber, reducing CO2 emissions by 97.5% compared to virgin materials.

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Cutting/Kitting

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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Thermoplastics

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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Automotive

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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NewStar Adhesives - Nautical Adhesives
CompositesWorld
ColorForm multi-component injection