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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.

Gary Bond discusses the common pitfalls and compromises when designing good cure tooling and their holistic significance for a robust composite production process.

As 2020 comes to an end, CW Editor-in-Chief Jeff Sloan takes a look at the stories over the last 12 months that garnered the most attention on the CW website.

The company’s epoxy infusion resins and adhesive products have been qualified for the series production of the Candela Seven all-electric foiling boat. 

EU consortia propel large demonstrators, new technology and affordable certification.

Airtech’s Wrightlease 4 is an extruded fluoropolymer film coated with silicone pressure sensitive adhesive.

Compa Repairs service and license solutions to establish a readily available network of license repair experts globally for ship repairs using CFRP materials.

ATL Composites’ knowledge and materials contribution to the PARTEC Composite Centre’s have enabled hands-on trials and apprentice training course work for individuals of all ages.

Composite Integrity division will work with MARA agency to improve aviation part maintenance skills in Malaysia.

FusePly enables the build of bonded composite parts using conventional manufacturing processes, through the creation of covalently bonded structures.

Annual award honors advancements in reducing the carbon footprint, mitigating water and energy consumption, promoting material reuse and recycling and applying composites for lightweighting.