Articles
FAR Part 25 Standards
Prior to 1990, most cabin composites were epoxy-based. But in 1987, the U.S. Federal Aviation Admin. (FAA) mandated slower burn rate/flame spread in aircraft seat cushion materials in its Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 25 standards. Then, in 1990, it also established regulations that mandated stringent
Read MoreAll-carbon bicycle rims cost-competitive with aluminum
Iterative design process improves performance and manufacturability of one-piece carbon rims.
Read MoreAdvanced materials for aircraft interiors
Applications aren't as demanding as airframe composites, but requirements are still exacting — passenger safety is key.
Read MoreThe world of composites: An overview
Commercial applications growing despite tight material supplies.
Read MoreCarbon car hood: Class A and cost-effective
Resin film infusion, electroformed nickel tooling meet Aston Martin quality and cost targets.
Read MoreExtrusion
Fiber-reinforced thermoplastic shapes are now being extruded, as well. Breakthrough material and process technology has been developed with long-fiber glass-reinforced thermoplastic (ABS, PVC or polypropylene) composites to provide profiles that offer a tough, low-cost alternative to wood, metal and injection-molded
Read MoreFiber placement and tape laying
The fiber placement process automatically places multiple individual pre-impregnated tows onto a mandrel at high speed, using a numerically controlled placement head to dispense, clamp, cut and restart each tow during placement. Minimum cut length (the shortest tow length a machine can lay down) is the essential
Read MoreRIM Molding for Wind Blade Skins
Low-cost, high-volume molding method and carbon fiber/epoxy spar show promise for replacement wind turbine blades.
Read MoreThe ABCs of FEA
Computerized and adapted for composites, finite element analysis reduces R&D expense and shortens time to market.
Read MoreIBEX Show Preview - 10/1/2006
Boatbuilders attending the annual exhibition will again find composites industry exhibitors located in a specially dedicated composites pavilion.
Read MoreGlass-Reinforced Thermoplastic Succeeds in Car Crash Structure
Thermoformable, recyclable composite yields production-worthy front-end structure.
Read MoreComposites in Boat Accessories and Hardware
All the stuff that goes inside, stem to stern.
Read More