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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.

Employing new manufacturing techniques and the design freedom they create, GKN Fokker has joined forces with Gulfstream to assess thermoplastic composites for primary aircraft structures.

This year’s 30 Innovation Award finalists representing 11 categories portray excellence in composites innovation and fruitful collaboration.

Lockheed maintains an OPOC for up to 12 composites-intensive vehicles over the course of the Artemis moon missions, reduces cost by 50% per vehicle.

Continental Structural Plastics has developed one-piece, compression-molded composite covers, an innovative fastening system and a range of material options to meet OEM needs.

The company’s new edge and void fillers and stuctural adhesives are designed for aerospace composites.

SG230 HVA adhesives to improve production efficiencies through smarter composite bonding processes.

A supplement with the November 2020 issue of ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ takes a close look at some of the technologies that are driving innovation in the composites industry. 

Newly formed Scott Bader Australia Pty Ltd. will continue distributing Scott Bader resins, gel coats and adhesives to the Australian market.

LTA Research’s proof-of-concept Pathfinder 1 modernizes a fully rigid airship design with a largely carbon fiber composite frame. R&D has already begun on higher volume, more automated manufacturing for the future.

The customizable, handheld Krautkrämer USM 100 sets new standards in ergonomics, connectivity and ruggedness for composites inspection requirements, such as complex wave propagation and high attenuation.