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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Archer completes construction of high-volume manufacturing facility for Midnight eVTOL aircraft
Tooling load-in is already underway ahead of the planned start of initial production beginning early 2025, while Stellantis and Archer work to finalize the exclusive contract agreement.
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Anduril joins Archer for hybrid VTOL military aircraft development
The companies’ first product from this partnership, aided by an additional $430 million raised by Archer, is planned to be a hybrid-propulsion VTOL that will target a potential program of record from the U.S. DOD.
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On the radar: Innovations in composite battery enclosures
A look at recently reported design, material and process innovations for composites-intensive battery enclosures, developed to support the ramp-up of EV and AAM vehicles.
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PAL-V, NLR complete composite rotors for Liberty flying car
Rotor blade design spans nearly 11 meters in length for flight, with a mid-hinge to fold and accommodate 4-meter vehicle length while driving.
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New Flyer selects Hexagon Purus H2 tanks for fifth consecutive year
Type 4 tanks will continue to be supplied for the mass mobility provider’s Xcelsior Charge FC fuel cell electric transit buses.
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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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Trends fueling the composites recycling movement
Various recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.
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Vestas to repurpose Isle of Wight facility for U.K. onshore blades
Transition from offshore to onshore wind blade production will support the U.K.’s focus on building domestic supply chains, increasing demand.
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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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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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SPE ACCE 2025 issues call for papers, sponsors and exhibitors
Submit a paper or technical presentation, or become a sponsor and/or exhibitor for SPE ACCE 2025, celebrating its 25 years Sept. 3-5 in Novi, Michigan.
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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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DITF oriented rCF tapes target virgin fiber CFRP substitution
Infinity project developed highly oriented rCF/PA6 tapes with 88% the tensile strength, modulus of a virgin CFRP product and 49-66% reduction in global warming potential.
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SPE automotive names winners for 53rd annual automotive innovation awards program
SPE’s annual Automotive Innovation Awards highlighted several composite part designs in vehicle safety, comfort and efficiency.
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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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FibreCoat secures up to €20 million for coatings maturation
Metal- and plastics-coated fiber innovator aims to rapidly grow radiation-, heat- and EMI-resistant material offerings for space and defense.
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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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NIAR, SNC partnership to modernize USAF 747-8i aircraft
As part of the SAOC program, NIAR will replace the outdated Nightwatch aircraft, vital to U.S. Air Force operations, using its expertise in composites, 3D printing and Industry 4.0.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Daher inaugurates Learning Center for training aeronautical talent
Daher offers a concrete solution to the shortage of qualified professionals in aerospace, providing a range of technical programs that prepare workers for the sector’s rigorous demands.
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Skydweller Aero continues AMPA flight tests with operational military payloads
Autonomous maritime patrol aircraft (AMPA) testing prepares the composite platform for operations in 2025, ensuring it can operate effectively over land and offshore environments to serve government and commercial needs.
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Airborne to supply Airbus with composite components for mega-constellation satellite solar arrays
Airborne Aerospace will manufacture more than 700 composite substrate panels and yoke substrates for Airbus Sparkwing solar arrays, a critical component of MDA Space’s Aurora satellite product line.
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EcoPulse flight test campaign ends, provides insight into hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft
Accumulation of 100 flight hours and 50 test flights deliver findings into design, certification, production and operations that will lay the groundwork for future aircraft.
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Sonaca, Aciturri Aerostructures to become single European aviation entity
The industrial partnership, combining expertise in metal and composites design and manufacturing, aims to become an independent global player for low-carbon aerospace development.
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HAV announces production site developments for Airlander 10
Work is underway to develop the Carcroft Common site in the U.K. that will support the production, testing and certification of up to 24 composite Airlander 10 aircraft each year.
Read MoreLatest Mass Transit Articles
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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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Diab expands buoyancy services through SCS acquisition
Global composite subsea buoyancy services are strengthened and broadened with Subsea Composite Solutions’ expertise.
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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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MerConcept, Extracthive integrate rCF components into racing yacht construction
Development and integration of recycled composite ballast dorade vents for an IMOCA class yacht and other ongoing projects demonstrate a push for greater circularity in the marine industry.
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Base Materials subsea buoyancy foams earn DNV type approval
Low-density syntactic foams have been qualified for use in 11,500-meter ocean depths in addition to approval of manufacture.
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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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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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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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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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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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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.
Read MoreLatest Space Articles
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Airbus selects second composites supplier Bercella for Aurora satellite
Bercella Srl will supply composite substrates for MDA Space’s satellite wings, building on the company’s know-how in delivering high-quality, space-grade components.
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Composites-intensive Perseverance rover makes Jezero Crater milestone
Since its landing on Mars in 2021, NASA’s rover has completed four scientific campaigns. Its fifth campaign up to the crater rim, a location of geologic interest, will further aid scientists’ understanding of Mars’ past formation.
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Airborne completes final delivery of CFRP mirror structures for Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope
Airborne, with the help of partners, designed, manufactured and assembled two 6-meter-diameter mirror support structures for highly complex scientific telescope project.
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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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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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Latest Markets News And Updates
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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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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Featured Posts
Composites reinvent transportation
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to evolve mass transit.
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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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