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Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.

Bonding and welding play vital roles in the assembly and fabrication of composite materials, offering methods to join components together effectively. Bonding involves the use of adhesives or bonding agents to create strong connections between different composite parts or between composites and other materials. Adhesives provide uniform stress distribution, enabling lightweight and durable structures. On the other hand, welding techniques like ultrasonic welding or induction welding are employed specifically in thermoplastic composites, where heat is used to melt and fuse the materials together.

Saab Aerostructures has reported updates to two of its composites-related projects, an RTM’d flaperon and the next iteration of the Clean Sky 2 technology demonstrator cargo doors.

CSP and Teijin multi-material EV battery enclosure clips remove the need for multiple fasteners, spread the seal load more evenly, reduce assembly costs.

Airborne’s Automated Ply Placement and Automated Edge Sealing technologies aim to ensure constant, repeatable and flexible production of complex composite products.

The EROS project, with the participation of Aimplas and the Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC) is working to develop new recycling process to recover and repurpose composite materials from wind and aeronautic industries. 

Airtech Advanced Materials Group’s Airtac 2 Improved is a mist spray rubber adhesive designed for temporary bonds.

De-risking thermoplastic composites at industrial scale via hybrid overmolding.

Through a variety of editorial content, CW explored the trends and topics that are rapidly flourishing in the industry. Based on Google Analytics, these top 10 articles were considered the most popular.  

EURECAT leads projects for TPC keel beam, window frames and thermoset RTM fuselage frames with TPC shear ties for next-gen aircraft.

9T Labs has been awarded third place in the 2021 Swiss Top 100 Startups competition for its hybrid 3D printing technology, which combines 3D printing with compression molding in matched metal dies.

Today’s myriad chemistry options enable formulators to tailor adhesives to customers' exact application requirements.