Model includes new technologies produced at Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, which is part of Honda hydrogen business strategy that includes Class 8 trucks.
The composite eVTOL developer has now received two key operational certificates required from the FAA to begin operations when Midnight receives type certification. 125g 55 Fish Pond Fiberglass
Ragasco composite cylinders for LPG will become part of Worthington’s Building Products business, while Hexagon/Worthington Enterprises JV will target expanding storage and transport of CNG and hydrogen.
The 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft was conceived to use composite and metal construction. Aura Aero has signed a PAC with EASA to finalize the framework for its CS-23 category certification.
Brudeli’s patented plug-in Powerhybrid technology will use Hexagon Agility CNG/RNG fuel system with Type 4 tanks, enabling Class 7 and 8 trucks to meet ACT and ACF regulations.
Final airworthiness criteria provides a solidified path for Archer to achieve type certification for its eVTOL aircraft.
CAMX 2024: Trilion Quality Systems is showcasing the Aramis optical strain gage, a material-independent measurement device with 3D-DIC capabilities.
An Aurora and Boeing team advances its high-speed, vertical lift concept to the preliminary design phase, which features three lift fans, a more refined composite exterior and an uncrewed cockpit.
Nesting, design, GUI and viewing features have been improved or added to the composites design software tool.
Ingersoll Masterprint LFAM printer will be used to produce and demonstrate 100% recyclable tooling that could cut large composite blade development cycles and tooling costs by as much as 50%.
Key structural elements for a 6-meter section of the Airbus biomimetic wing were undertaken by NCC engineering specialists to produce 28 one-off flying parts.
Pioneer in mandrel-based reinforced rubber and composite products, TANIQ offers TaniqWindPro software and robotic winding expertise for composite pressure vessels and more.
Taiwan-based company offers rCF product design and development with significant CO2 emission reductions and certified material traceability.
CAMX 2024: Closed-cell Elfoam products offered by Elliott Co. of Indianapolis offer a number of benefits, making it flexible from large-volume to one-off composites projects.
European consortium develops novel processes, sustainable designs through three demonstrators to increase recycled carbon fiber use in transportation applications.
Swedish deep-tech startup Sinonus is launching an energy-storing composite material to produce efficient structural batteries, IoT devices, drones, computers, larger vehicles and airplanes.
Proof-of-concept part used bio-based acrylontrile precursor with same performance as conventional CFRP but with significantly less CO2.
Recent conference in Denver, Colorado, emphasized the tools and knowledge composites manufacturers will need to meet customer and government sustainability goals.
High-angle AFP head featuring MTorres’ latest upgrades advances fabrication of wing skins and covers for the F-35.
Mel’s ongoing partnership culminates in the development of the Menorquín 42 and Menorquín 54 motor yachts, as well as extension of Sasga’s capacity for 68-foot-length boats.
VacPuc is expanding its range of global distributors to deliver its vacuum pressure measurement solution to the composites market.
GZero opens another location in West Chester, Ohio, to optimize the production of fiber-reinforced 3D printed parts for service bureau customers.
Ultra-lightweight and made of recycled composites, the Eco Bracket cuts weight and cost in half and reduces CO2 emissions, in addition to providing high performance.
CAMX 2024: ColorForm and long fiber injection (LFI) technologies by KraussMaffei support automotive, consumer and other end markets in their quest for high-performance, lightweight parts with aesthetic qualities.
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.
With COVID in the past and passengers flying again, commercial aircraft production is ramping up. The aerocomposites supply chain is busy developing new M&P for an approaching next-generation aircraft program.
Electrification and a focus on sustainability lead to opportunities and innovations in composites, from battery enclosures to structural components and more.
Find out how outsourced, costly tooling can be produced in-house to overcome bottlenecks, reduce costs and protect IP. Agenda: Explore durable casting materials that can be 3D-printed in complex designs Discover industry-proven Sika materials now available for high-speed, additive tooling Explore the benefits of thermoset molds that ensure uniform expansion, optimum bonding with the end part, as well as high durability
Explore next-gen composites engineering solutions in this webinar. Uncover the capabilities of Fives' Composite Optical Automated Surface Tracking (COAST) platform and Advanced Composites Environment Suite (ACES) software, optimizing design, production and quality control. Gain insights into how these end-to-end solutions enhance productivity and deliver measurable results. Join Fives to discover the transformative benefits of a fully-integrated digital solution for revolutionizing manufacturing processes. Agenda: Digital composites suite: CAD, CAM, robotic automated fiber placement (RAFP) and in-process inspection Video demonstration Value propositions Product offerings
In addition to its proven fire resistance as a pure foam and within a sandwich composite system, the new material offers efficient manufacturing of 3-dimensional geometries and opens new possibilities for direct function integration. Agenda: Manufacturing process of thermoplastic particle foams Sandwich composite component requirements of commercial aircraft interior structures (e.g. FST, Heat Release) Function integration into net shape molded foam parts (e.g. inserts) Potential use-cases in fire critical applications
KraussMaffei will explain in-situ polyurethane (PUR) overmolding of injection-molded and composite parts and the development of this technology over the last decade. Waruna Seneviratne, director of the Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS), will discuss how aerospace and advanced air mobility (AAM) markets can capitalize on this high-rate manufacturing solution. Agenda: What is ColorForm: process, equipment and tooling Pros and cons of the technology High technology solution examples: ColorForm automotive Market references in automotive Demand for future commercial aviation and both AAM and urban air mobility (UAM) What aerospace can learn from automotive for addressing demand for high-rate manufacturing Technological advances enabling material and process improvements for the future Role of ATLAS manufacturing innovation center for promoting advanced manufacturing and workforce development Road map for certification through manufacturing demonstrations
Discover the latest innovation in laser projection technology poised to increase accuracy, efficiency and reliability. LAP will unveil the features of its new CAD-PRO Xpert laser projection system and outline how various industries can benefit from the system's capabilities. Its cutting-edge technology platform empowers users with enhanced color range, speed and superior laser projection quality while increasing accuracy, efficiency and reliability. Explore how the advanced ergonomics of this system can reshape composite manufacturing processes across industries, ranging from aerospace and automotive to wind rotor blade production, yacht building and beyond. Agenda: Introduction of the features of the CAD-PRO Xpert Applications and advantages across industries Upgrading workplaces for enhanced digital worker guidance Modular system solutions based on the value-adding ecosystem
After having established a strong foundation in kinetic models in a previous webinar, part two delves into the exciting realm of machine learning and its transformative potential for composite manufacturing. While kinetic models have served the industry well, the growing complexity of composite manufacturing demands more sophisticated approaches. In this session, sensXPERT will explore innovative pathways to supercharge your production efficiency and enhance sustainability beyond the limits of traditional models. See how machine learning empowers composite manufacturers to achieve unprecedented accuracy in predicting key production parameters such as temperature, pressure and cure time. This translates to reduced cycle times and waste while increasing production throughput to maximize efficiency. SensXPERT will provide concrete examples and case studies demonstrating how to bridge the gap between meticulously-controlled laboratory experiments and the realities of the production floor, overcoming the limitations of kinetic models. Agenda: Define machine learning, its applications and their impact on composite manufacturing Explore real-world case studies in diverse composites manufacturing applications and how they exploit integration options Correlation analysis: uncovering hidden relationships between process parameters and product outcomes Time series analysis: forecasting production trends Anomaly detection: identifying irregularities
The 14th edition of the Graphene Conference will take place June 25-28, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. The international gathering includes thematic workshops, B2B networking and an Industrial Forum that dives into a variety of topics, including the latest developments in graphene production methods towards wide scale commercialization and examples of graphene in electronics, energy storage, aerospace and barrier applications.
The International Composites Summit (ICS) is renowned as the only solely focused UK event for professionals involved in the composites industry. ICS promises to be a unique platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and exploring the latest advancements in composite materials internationally, bringing people together to do business.
Join us at the ACCE 2023 event and learn about how the automotive and transportation industries are advancing with composites playing a key role in the development of electric vehicles and sustainability initiatives worldwide. Lightweight composites are ideal materials for improving vehicle performance, reducing mass, extending range and compensating for battery weight. Polymer composites are enabling lower emission vehicles, reducing the carbon footprint and saving energy to benefit the environment now and in the future. Thermoset and thermoplastic composites are the key to EV, Mobility and Sustainability.
The International Composites Summit (ICS), THE single place to do the most cost effective and sustainable composites business in the UK, is back for its highly anticipated 2023 edition, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from across the composites sector. ICS promises to be a unique platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and exploring the latest advancements in composite materials internationally, bringing people together to do business. The International Composites Summit is renowned as the only solely focused UK event for professionals involved in the composites industry.
CAMX is your best source for new solutions, technologies, and ideas you need for your current and future projects. CAMX makes it easy to watch live process demos, see materials and interactive displays on what may be possible in the future, and meet with hundreds of manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.
Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.
Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.
Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.
The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.
Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.
The total index reading backed down in May from its anticipated expansion, contracting again to land at 46.8.
Upon his one-year anniversary as editor-in-chief of CW, Scott Francis looks back at some of the brand’s changes and hints at where it might be heading next.
In 2018, Teijin broke ground on a facility that is reportedly the largest capacity carbon fiber line currently in existence. The line has been fully functional for nearly two years and has plenty of room for expansion.
Spanish startup Reinforce3D’s continuous fiber injection process (CFIP) involves injection of fibers and liquid resin into hollow parts made from any material. Potential applications include sporting goods, aerospace and automotive components, and more.
Longtime parts manufacturer offers more than composites welding. CW’s conversation with CEO Kjelt van Rijswijk explains KVE’s vision with Daher and where it’s headed.
Steptics industrializes production of CFRP prostheses, enabling hundreds of parts/day and 50% lower cost.
Recent conference in Denver, Colorado, emphasized the tools and knowledge composites manufacturers will need to meet customer and government sustainability goals.
Ultra-lightweight and made of recycled composites, the Eco Bracket cuts weight and cost in half and reduces CO2 emissions, in addition to providing high performance.
Brudeli’s patented plug-in Powerhybrid technology will use Hexagon Agility CNG/RNG fuel system with Type 4 tanks, enabling Class 7 and 8 trucks to meet ACT and ACF regulations.
Envalior 30% glass fiber-reinforced Akulon RePurposed material helps Ahrend achieve lighter task chair with closed-loop value chain and reduced emissions.
Hydrogen storage and high-voltage battery system to support Class 8 heavy-duty fuel cell powertrains developed by Toyota.
Future cabin concepts, rCF floor coverings and panels, noise regulation and other efficiencies will be tested this year using a 777-200ER aircraft.
In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.
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.
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.
Closed mold processes have many advantages over open molding. In this knowledge center, learn the basics and vital tools needed to produce parts accurately.
CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
Explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.
This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.
This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.
This collection features recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
Options for adding color have been around for decades, but new products are hoping to up the ante and open new markets.
Hypetex "colored compound carbon fiber". SOURCE: GPFone.
Two years ago, motorsports engineering company Prodrive (Banbury, UK) announced it had developed colored carbon fiber, after six months of research. Though it would not reveal any details, Prodrive showed off the images below, saying it could produce high-luster carbon fiber panels in almost any hue that are chip resistant, UV stable and highly consistent in both color and finish.
Motorauthority.com reported that Aston Martin, whose latest Vanquish model features a 100% carbon fiber body, would be interested. Indeed, the company’s unique personalization service, Q by Aston Martin, includes an option under SPORTING: “Cobalt Blue Carbon-Fibre is carried through to the facia, where the gradation runs from opaque to a clear weave at the base”; and another under MONTEREY 2013: “Jet Black Satin exterior is contrasted with gloss red tinted Carbon-Fibre trim.”
Motorsports firm Prodrive publicized its colored carbon fiber in April 2013 (left). Q by Aston Martin features Cobalt Blue carbon fiber in its SPORTING option (center) and red-tinted CF trim in its MONTEREY 2013 (right). SOURCE: Motorauthority.com (left) and AstonMartin.com.
Though Prodrive has been quiet since 2013, another motorsports-based company, GPFone (Silverstone and London, UK) launched Hypetex in 2014, which it touts as the world’s first colored carbon fiber brand. Again, the technology evolved out of Formula 1 — this time after seven years of R&D — with details in short supply, but the company claims that Hypetex does not include filamentized glass fibers like some other products and thus maintains the essential high performance properties of carbon fiber.
Hypetex colored compound carbon fiber, reportedly developed by Formula 1 engineers, was showcased in designer Michael Sodeau’s Halo chair. SOURCE: GPFone.
Looking for a high-visibility way to introduce Hypetex, GPFone chose to work with London designer Michael Sodeau to produce the Halo chair, which features a thin wing-shaped seat on three legs and a disc-shaped back that gives a graphic silhouette. Hypetex reportedly enabled the structure to be thin and refined, yet robust. Winning the 2014 Red Dot Design Award for furniture, the Halo chair is reportedly available in six colors, with a limited production of six in each color.
As reported by Dezeen, Sodeau found that carbon fiber enabled him to generate shapes not possible with other materials and that Hypetex in particular offered a lot of design freedom: "It enables us to create a mono-material design, so aesthetically we can have a strong dynamic shape with one material over the whole object.”
Color via Other Fibers Traditionally, colored carbon fabrics have achieved their rainbow hues via hybrid weaves with dyeable yarns such as glass, polyester and aramid. Vendors of these products are usually very straightforward about their products including caveats about the properties:
Please note that owing to the 50% coloured polyester yarn content of this fabric it does not have the same mechanical properties as 100% carbon fibre fabric, although it is still a high performance fabric. — Easy Composites
This material is a blend of carbon fiber and colored copper wire. — Composite Envisions
There are many carbon hybrid fabrics which use other fiber types to achieve color. SOURCE: EasyComposites.co.uk (left), CompositeEnvisions.com.
Silver carbon fiber may actually be Texalium, a metal-coated glass fiber fabric from Hexcel (Stamford, CT). It is usually described exactly as this, though some less technical sources will call it silver carbon fiber while others explain that it is coated with aluminum approximately 200 angstroms in thickness. These latter sources will also describe post-treatment options which produce red, blue, yellow and other tints.
Soller Composites (Franklin, NH, US) has been selling its carbon and colored glass fiber hybrid fabrics for years, with adoptions in prosthetics, automotive aftermarket parts, fishing rods and other sporting goods.
Soller Composites sells a variety of colored glass/carbon fiber hybrid fabrics that are used in a variety of consumer goods. SOURCE: Soller Composites.
Aftermarket Artistry When not using Texalium or colored Kevlar, the artists of the automotive aftermarket suggest imparting color to normal carbon parts through paint. Specifically, color-matched paint can be mixed into a clear binder like DBC500 from PPG (Pittsburgh, PA, US) and then topped with clear coats as normal. Some experts advise simply spraying with candy paint, which is a three-stage system using a metallic reflective basecoat, candy color coat, and clearcoat to create a deep, colored luster not attainable with typical automotive paints. It’s not clear if they are omitting the metallic basecoat.
Alternative to using colored glass or aramid fiber (left), auto aftermarket parts may achieve colored carbon via translucent or candy paint systems. SOURCE: DeftRacing.com and Honda-tech.com.
Revealing Patents If indeed ProDrive and Hypetex are not using other fibers to achieve color, perhaps they are using technology developed decades ago but never widely adopted. Sumitomo Chemical Company's (Tokyo, Japan) patent EP0420655 A2, awarded in 1991, which describes a colored prepreg featuring a “widely variable high-grade hue with depth and luster” which cannot be abraded or worn off. This is achieved by using a polymer resin with 5 to 50 parts by weight — preferably 10 to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the synthetic resin — of a flaky colorant having an average particle size of 70 to 300 µm and an average thickness of 0.1 to 10 µm. Particles sized less than 70 µm lack sufficient luster while those beyond 300 µm lack adequate dispersibility. The low and high bounds on colorant amount are set for the same reasons. "Hiding pigments" are also included in the technology, which may partially cover the color of the reinforcing fibers. Possible flaky colorants and hiding pigments are detailed.
Apple, too, has patented a method for “updating” carbon fiber’s look. Patent US7790637 B2, applied for in October 2007, simply uses an additional “scrim” layer that can mask the carbon fibers and impart a color other than black. Not aimed at transparent color that maintains the visual weave, but instead targeted to improve the cosmetic surface finish, Apple’s patent is interesting mainly in its motivation:
“. . .the resulting carbon fiber composite can have cosmetic imperfections that reduce the aesthetic appearance of the molded article formed therefrom. Further, carbon fiber composites, often being black, provide a narrow range of surface appearance to the molded article and therefore may give a “tired”, unexciting look.”
Even though projected use of carbon fiber continues to soar, maybe “the new black” could stand some color options.
The structural properties of composite materials are derived primarily from the fiber reinforcement. Fiber types, their manufacture, their uses and the end-market applications in which they find most use are described.
Partnership combines Braskem’s polypropylene sheets with Weav3D Rebar for Plastics technology to address new structural, automotive applications requiring high-strength, lightweight material solutions.
CAMX 2023: Startup Weav3D will be demonstrating its two collaborative automotive demonstrator parts and present two conference papers.
CW’s running summary of resin price change announcements from major material suppliers that serve the composites manufacturing industry.
In 2006, guest columnist Bob Hartunian related the story of his efforts two decades prior, while at McDonnell Douglas, to develop a thermoplastic composite crytank for hydrogen storage. He learned a lot of lessons.
Composites are used widely in oil/gas, wind and other renewable energy applications. Despite market challenges, growth potential and innovation for composites continue.
Respondents that complete the survey by April 30, 2024, have the chance to be recognized as an honoree.
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