Articles
Plant tour: Middle River Aerostructure Systems, Baltimore, Md., U.S.
The historic Martin Aircraft factory is advancing digitized automation for more sustainable production of composite aerostructures.
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Natural fiber composites: Growing to fit sustainability needs
Led by global and industry-wide sustainability goals, commercial interest in flax and hemp fiber-reinforced composites grows into higher-performance, higher-volume applications.
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MFFD thermoplastic floor beams — OOA consolidation for next-gen TPC aerostructures
GKN Fokker and Mikrosam develop AFP for the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s floor beams and OOA consolidation of 6-meter spars for TPC rudders, elevators and tails.
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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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Demonstrating functionalized, cost-effective composites using additive extrusion
Hybrid thermoset/thermoplastic composite part with 3D-printed functionalization demonstrates technology possibilities and EmpowerAX open platform offering expertise from members throughout the process chain.
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Composite tension leaf springs: Available for trucks at last
Tension leaf springs with progressive spring rates meet the demanding needs of truck suspensions.
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Nine factors to consider when designing composites cure tooling
Gary Bond discusses the common pitfalls and compromises when designing good cure tooling and their holistic significance for a robust composite production process.
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Composites industry index ends February in growth mode
The GBI: Composites Fabricating closed February at the same level it was in November 2022, right before experiencing a rare two months of contraction.
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Lighter, stronger, faster bionic hand aided by composites design
Psyonic’s touch-sensing prosthetic hand leverages bionic technology, 3D printing and a carbon fiber composite exterior for light weight, high strength and high-tech functionality.
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Hexagon Purus Westminster: Experience, growth, new developments in hydrogen storage
Hexagon Purus scales production of Type 4 composite tanks, discusses growth, recyclability, sensors and carbon fiber supply and sustainability.
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PEEK vs. PEKK vs. PAEK and continuous compression molding
Suppliers of thermoplastics and carbon fiber chime in regarding PEEK vs. PEKK, and now PAEK, as well as in-situ consolidation — the supply chain for thermoplastic tape composites continues to evolve.
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Microwave heating for more sustainable carbon fiber
Skeptics say it won’t work — Osaka-based Microwave Chemical Co. says it already has — and continues to advance its simulation-based technology to slash energy use and emissions in manufacturing.
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