Articles
Plant tour: National Institute for Aviation Research, Wichita, Kan., U.S.
NIAR, located at Wichita State University in the heart of the American aerospace manufacturing industry, has evolved to become a premier hub of teaching, R&D, creativity and innovation.
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Materials & Processes: Fibers for composites
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.
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Composite rebar for future infrastructure
GFRP eliminates risk of corrosion and increases durability fourfold for reinforced concrete that meets future demands as traffic, urbanization and extreme weather increase.
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Materials & Processes: Composites fibers and resins
Compared to legacy materials like steel, aluminum, iron and titanium, composites are still coming of age, and only just now are being better understood by design and manufacturing engineers. However, composites’ physical properties — combined with unbeatable light weight — make them undeniably attractive.
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Materials & Processes: Resin matrices for composites
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here’s a guide to selection.
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Fostering best practices for wet layup procedures
As fabricators continue to manufacture composite tools and parts using an open mold, wet layup process — often with mixed success — it’s important to stress proper preparation, materials, application methods and standardization.
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The making of carbon fiber
A look at the process by which precursor becomes carbon fiber through a careful (and mostly proprietary) manipulation of temperature and tension.
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Materials & Processes: Fabrication methods
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
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Composite buildings go monocoque
Superior protection from the elements plus fast, affordable installation and maintenance have quickly made Orenco Composites’ DuraFiber buildings an attractive choice for water and wastewater, communications, transportation and power industry outbuildings.
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Impressions and takeaways from JEC World 2022
Suffice to say that JEC World 2022, the “Big Show” for the composites industry, exceeded many expectations. Dale Brosius contemplates pervasive themes, conversations and takeaways from the international event.
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Top 10 Considerations When Buying a CNC Machine for Composites
For a CNC machine to continue to meet or exceed a company’s needs, it must be built and spec’d with these needs in mind.
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3D printing and AFP join forces in automotive demonstrator
Bavarian auto industry and TU Munich research how to reduce molding costs by combining continuous fiber and 3D-printed composites.
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