CW Blog
Update: Automated repair cell
Consortium makes progress on aircraft component diagnostics/repair cell concept.
Read MoreInside Manufacturing: An autoclave for the 787 center wing box
Development partners overcome cultural and geographical challenges to ensure cure of this massive composite structure for Boeing's Dreamliner.
Read More
Replication of discontinued additive saves resin requalification costs on missile program
Niche chemical products often become too expensive to manufacture and distribute, particularly when demand is limited and environmental rules tighten. Such was the case with a specialty epoxy diluent trade named Unox 4206, developed by The Dow Chemical Co. (Midland, Mich.) and distributed by H.B. Fuller (St. Paul,
Read More
Orion: Composite tanks' ticket to space?
Research, development, testing prove composites can contain cryogens.
Read More
Testing Tech: Adhesion testing of sandwich panels
In my three preceding columns, I discussed the testing of sandwich panels as unit structures. This included flexural and shear testing of beams and panels. However, such tests — and hardware components that are designed accordingly — will not produce the desired results unless the adhesives that hold these panels
Read MoreFocus on Design: Carbon/epoxy drum for large-format inkjet printer
Well-thought-out design enables hard-working industrial part.
Read MoreTRFA installs new officers for 2007
John Cech, Vinay Mishra, Bhavin Patel and Jim Steever have been installed as officers for the Thermoset Resin Formulators Assn. (TRFA).
Read MoreJEC COMPOSITES 2007 Exhibitor List
The following is based on the best information available from JEC on Jan. 29, 2007. "TBD"= to be determined. 3M France TBD A&P Technology TBD Aachen Composite Engineers TBD ABB France TBD Additek SaS Q16 Advanced Composites Group M14 AEC Polymers TBD Aero Consultants Ltd. AG N32 AGY K10
Read MoreEngineering Insights: All-Composite Hovercraft Rises to Performance Challenge
An exclusive look at a lightweight pultruded and resin-infused design that sets a new standard for amphibious craft.
Read MoreJeff Sloan's first editorial for Composites Technology
A lot of the "old guard"manufacturing processes in the U.S. (metal bending, metal machining, metal casting, etc.) grew up and prospered with the automotive industry, and it was on the coattails of these workhorses that the 20th Century American manufacturing boom rode to prominence.
Read More
Inside Manufacturing: A Reinforced Thermoplastic Car Hood?
Low-density GMT-cored sandwich construction and novel inductive mold-heating strategy are a viable option for horizontal body panels.
Read More'String binder' key to consistent preforms
A chopped glass preform is typically made by spraying chopped fiber and a liquid or powder binder onto a part-shaped screen. A vacuum is pulled to hold the fibers in place until heat or ultraviolet (UV) light melts or reacts the binder. These binder systems, however, require application streams and equipment separate
Read More