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.

Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts
Work In Progress

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.

READ MORE
U.S. Polychemical Acrastrip
Toray Advanced Composites hi-temperature materials

Latest Processes Articles

VIEW ALL

Endless Industries launches Endless One continuous fiber 3D printer

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

Read More

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Trends

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.

Read More
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.

Watch

Knowledge Centers

CompositesWorld Collections
CompositesWorld Collections

CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

LEARN MORE
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.

LEARN MORE
Sensors for Composite Processing
Sensors for Composite Processing

Discover the types of sensors being used in composites, the physics on which they�re based, their installation, promised benefits and challenges, as well as the potential they offer for even further developments in smart structures.

LEARN MORE
Wabash
ELFOAM rigid foam products
Kent Pultrusion
Visual of lab with a yellow line
Release agents and process chemical specialties

Latest Processes News And Updates

Cutting/Kitting

Zünd, Loop Technology partner on FibreLine preforming system

Pairing Loop Technology’s automation with Zünd digital cutters provides faster cutting, less stray fibers, higher ply accuracy and more precise preforms for composite aerostructure manufacturing.

Read More

Queen’s University Belfast presents research in thermoplastic drilling performance optimization

Researchers have published findings from a multi-objective optimization study on carbon fiber-reinforced PEKK drilling in an effort to better understand the material for use in aviation fastenings.

Read More

National Manufacturing Group unveils C3 Molding

National Manufacturing Group features its C3 Molding process for FRP molding, offering the surface cosmetics of thermoplastics, the versatility and strength of fiberglass and compression molding cycle times.

Read More
Cutting/Kitting

Norco invests in CNC, kit cutting capability expansion

Transition from internal to external demand over the last few years has evolved Norco’s machining and composite kit cutting equipment, and now includes material outsourcing and digital engineering services.

Read More
Pultrusion

PulFlex introduces pultruded Flex Connect

Fiberglass T-slot, primarily used for automation, framing and other quick setup systems, competes with aluminum alternatives.

Read More
Filament Winding

CompoTech highlights fiber laying technologies to achieve CFRP preform, component versatility

Automated fiber laying (AFL) placement and winding machine technologies enhance OEM capabilities to produce reliable, commercially viable custom composite products.

Read More
Keyland Polymer Webinar Coatings on Composite & AM
Release agents and process chemical specialties
NewStar Adhesives - Nautical Adhesives
Airtech
Airtech International Inc.

Featured Posts

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.

Read More
Carbon Fibers

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.

Watch
Fabrics/Preforms

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Novel insert technology enables arc stud welding with composites

FAUSST technology enables fast, reliably welded connection of metal components in composite structures.

Read More

CFRP planing head: 50% less mass, 1.5 times faster rotation

Novel, modular design minimizes weight for high-precision cutting tools with faster production speeds.  

Read More
Alpha’s Premier ESR®
Integrico Equipment Auction
Large Scale Additive Manufacturing
IRIS Ai-enabled Camera
CompositesWorld