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21 Apr 2025 Advanced Air Mobility
Archer unveils vision for NYC eVTOL network and routes
Archer looks to enable passengers to travel from Manhattan to nearby airports in just 5-15 minutes via the Midnight eVTOL platform.

21 Apr 2025 Weaving
Aerospace prepregs with braided reinforcement demonstrate improved production rates, cost
A recent time study compares the layup of a wing spar using prepreg with A&P’s TX-45 continuous braided reinforcement versus traditional twill woven prepreg.

18 Apr 2025 Pressure Vessels
OVERLEAF webinars share composite LH2 innovations, results
A series of three webinars presented by OVERLEAF project partners explore how it is achieving a novel low-pressure, LH2 storage system architecture through LCA methodologies, optical hydrogen sensors and cryogenic-ready 3D printing and materials.

9 Apr 2025 Advanced Air Mobility
Stratview Research launches 2025 report on eVTOL dynamics
An update to the 2022 report features an in-depth analysis of 1,000-plus eVTOL aircraft programs worldwide with expert insight spanning eVTOL manufacturers, composite part producers and material suppliers.

9 Apr 2025 Hydrogen Storage
CIMC-Hexagon delivers its first Type 4 H2 tanks to Europe
Joint venture company has obtained European TPED certification, a critical step to develop local Type 4 tank certification in China, ramp up production capacity.

9 Apr 2025 Aerospace
JEC World 2025 highlights: Trends in aerospace, new space and defense
CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis discusses trends in aerospace on display at JEC World — as the composites industry awaits a new single aisle aircraft program, the industry puts continued focus on new space, defense, UAM.
Design & Tooling See All

31 Mar 2025 Design/Simulation
PAIramid project drives digital approach to streamline composite aerostructures development, deployment
Multidisciplinary global team will leverage Al and data-driven simulations to make the aerostructure design, development and certification process faster, less costly and more reliable.

24 Mar 2025 Composites 4.0
Polaron AI materials design tool wins inaugural Manchester Prize
Generative AI model is capable of exploring thousands of material designs in under a day, providing an opportunity to more rapidly characterize and design advanced materials including alloys, composites and catalysts.

24 Mar 2025 Trends
Embraer conducts composite structural wing testing for PDNT
New technologies demonstration platform (PDNT), validating innovative processes, methodologies and new materials, exceeded more than 200% of expected progressive load limit.

19 Mar 2025 FRP Rebar
R-Tech Materials offers accredited composite rebar testing
The independent U.K. lab has has developed a comprehensive suite of materials testing capabilities tailored to the growing demands of the construction sector.

19 Mar 2025 Composites 4.0
ASCEND program completion: Transforming the U.K.'s high-rate composites manufacturing capability
GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K. partners chart the final chapter of the 4-year, £39.6 million ASCEND program, which accomplished significant progress in high-rate production, Industry 4.0 and sustainable composites manufacturing.

12 Mar 2025 Carbon Fibers
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team to include sustainable carbon fiber for 2025 Formula 1 season
F1 team has taken first steps to qualify and apply sustainable composites into its W16 race car with help and innovation from industry partners and the FIA.
Materials See All

28 Apr 2025 Carbon Fibers
Team Kratos invites sponsorship for electric tractive system innovation
The nationally ranked Indian Formula Student team is seeking industry sponsorship to develop and implement an advanced tractive system for its upcoming composites-intensive electric race car.

25 Apr 2025 Aerospace
Call for abstracts: CW Tech Days to explore high-temperature composite solutions
The fall 2025 installment of CW’s Tech Days online event series will cover high-temperature composite solutions for defense and space applications.

25 Apr 2025 Automotive
Canatu extends IATF 16949:2016 certification
The international standard for automotive quality management reflects Canatu’s dedication to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction when it comes to the delivery of its CNT products.

25 Apr 2025 Recycling
CW launches composites recyclers, equipment suppliers resource
With recycling becoming an increasing popular and important aspect of the composites industry, CW editors have collated this list of domestic and international players.

23 Apr 2025 Carbon Fibers
Head Sports launches limited-edition racquet using Toray bio-circular fibers
From prototype to reality, Toray’s sustainable carbon fibers deliver the same look, feel and performance to racquet sports but with an environmentally responsible edge.

23 Apr 2025 Focus on Design
Thermoplastic composite pipes provide 59% reduction in H2 distribution CO2 emissions
Hive Composites’ multilayer thermoplastic composite pipe (TPC) design meets hydrogen permeation requirements while ensuring substantial CO2 reductions compared to conventional steel pipe systems.
Processes See All

23 Apr 2025 Additive Manufacturing
Haddy opens LFAM microfactory in Florida for localized, agile composite parts production
CEAD helped Haddy inaugurate the AI-powered microfactory complete with eight Flexbot robotic systems for end-to-end 3D printing and 16-times production capacity.

22 Apr 2025 Thermoplastics
Wickert press advances Chemnitz polymers, composites and metals research
Since its installation, the rapid heating/cooling press has become of great importance to the Institute for Lightweight Structures’ work in processing high-performance structural and hybrid components for industrial-scale applications.

18 Apr 2025 Additive Manufacturing
RAW Idea expands composites capabilities with hybrid 3D printer
Installation of LSAM printer from CEAD broadens RAW Idea’s ability to work with advanced composites and manufacture parts with greater efficiency and precision.

18 Apr 2025 Machining/Drilling
Addressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites
Kennametal explores technological advancements in composite drilling, including stacked laminates, to meet aerospace applications and sustainability challenges.

14 Apr 2025 Composites 4.0
Engel supports composites upcycling research at TH Rosenheim
Engel Group has provided the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences with a vertical injection molding machine for further R&D into the processing of thermoplastic, recyclable composites and the application of natural fibers.

11 Apr 2025 Additive Manufacturing
Airtech acquires Kimya assets, extends AM filament capabilities
Kimya’s filaments portfolio will be offered alongside Airtech’s Dahltram pellet and filament resins, adding to its LFAM and thermoplastic product line.
Composites 101 See All

12 Mar 2025 Composites Basics
CW Tech Days — Upcoming and past events
CW Tech Days are virtual events dedicated to the topics impacting the composites industry today. Access past event recordings and register for upcoming Tech Days.

17 Jul 2024 Composites Basics
Five things you get with your CW subscription
Reliable news and information on where and how fiber-reinforced composites are being applied — that’s just the start of what you get from our team here at ��ñ��.

25 Aug 2023 Composites Basics
Celebrating 30 years of ��ñ��, Part 1
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.

21 Jul 2023 Composites Basics
The basics of composite drawing interpretation
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.

27 Jan 2023 Molds/Tools
Proper application of semi-permanent mold release systems
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.

9 Jan 2023 Advanced Air Mobility
Composites end markets: Aerospace (2023)
With COVID in the past and passengers flying again, commercial aircraft production is ramping up. The aerocomposites supply chain is busy developing new M&P for an approaching next-generation aircraft program.
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Webinars See All

7 May 2025
AI-Powered Quality Assurance in Laser Projection Processes
Combining advanced laser projection technology with AI-powered inspection delivers unmatched precision and efficiency. By attending this webinar, you will learn how AI enhances quality control in laser-guided manual composite manufacturing. Gain insights into detecting foreign objects (FOD) and verifying parts placement with LAP's INSPECT-PRO AI camera system. This system seamlessly integrates with LAP's CAD-PRO laser projection systems to optimize your composite production. Discover how AI-powered camera systems identify potential issues early on, preventing escalation, reducing rework and minimizing waste. Agenda: Why AI-powered QA for composite manufacturing? Black-on-black detection capabilities Precise placement verification Instant foreign object detection Seamless integration with the LAP ecosystem

14 May 2025
An Overview Into the New ISO TS for Graphene-Related 2D Materials
Caio Lo Sardo, VP of MITO Material Solutions has taken a leading role in the first graphene document in development led by the U.S. committee within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 229, Nanotechnologies. Right now, when looking at graphene materials, no standard exists to classify graphene-related 2D materials and ensure the material will have concise technical specifications. The new standard includes a framework that is tailored to be useful for users, academia and regulators. This project will establish consensus-based parameters for commercial graphene purchases to confirm the material data sheets meet the expected standards. During this overview, Caio will share insights into the compilation of framework that have been built around graphene, with industry peer review, the study of the characteristics and zero in on what matters going forward for people who use graphene.

29 May 2025
Enhancing Composite Durability and Aesthetics with PVF Film
This session explores the properties of polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film and its role in improving the durability and performance of composite materials. PVF film has been widely used in various industries due to its resistance to UV exposure, moisture, stains and corrosion. Beyond protection, it also enables process flexibility and customized surface aesthetics. Agenda: The unique characteristics of PVF film and how it enhances durability in extreme environments. The history and applications of PVF film in composite materials, including interior and exterior use cases. Its role as a silicone-free release liner for achieving different surface finishes. The environmental considerations of PVF film as a non-PFAS material.

On Demand
Sustainability and Biobased Products in the Composites Industry
Gain insights into driving sustainability through lifecycle assessment and understanding the distinctions among various biobased materials, helping to navigate their environmental impact and guide informed decisions in product development and eco-friendly solutions. Agenda: Sustainability in composites Differentiating between biobased, biodegradable and recyclable materials Life cycle assessment (LCA) for sustainability-driven product marketing Innovating solutions for composite building materials

On Demand
Assessing Surface Adhesion: Maintaining Quality in Composites Prep for Strong Bonds
Bond failures can have severe consequences for manufacturers, including increased scrap rates, damage to brand reputation, costly warranty claims and even safety hazards. These failures often stem from inadequate surface preparation, highlighting the critical importance of surface energy, the substrate's ability to interact effectively with adhesives, coatings or sealants at the molecular level. Brighton Science, with over two decades of experience in investigating bond failures, has found that over 90% of these issues originate from insufficient surface preparation. This webinar will provide a concise overview of surface energy and its crucial role in achieving successful adhesion. By attending this webinar, you will gain valuable insights into the fundamental principles of surface energy and its impact on adhesion. You will learn how to implement WCA measurements as a robust quality control metric and leverage Brighton Process Monitor to streamline surface energy analysis and enhance overall production efficiency. Agenda: Discover how to identify and address critical control points within your manufacturing process that significantly impact bond quality Learn how other companies have successfully utilized water contact angle (WCA) measurements to generate rapid, safe and reliable data for integrating surface energy as a crucial quality key performance indicator (KPI) Explore Brighton Process Monitor, a powerful application within the BConnect networked surface monitoring system

On Demand
Outlook: Carbon Fiber Global Supply and Demand
Carbon fiber is the most valuable and highest performing fiber in the composites industry. Its application in existing and emerging markets is expanding, as are the companies that are manufacturing carbon fiber. This presentation, given by Future Materials Group (FMG) will evaluate the drivers and barriers of carbon fiber demand growth and how they affect different carbon fiber market segments, major players, and recent and announced carbon fiber capacity investments. Analysis will look at several scenarios of how supply and demand might evolve and consider the impact of potential market discontinuities.

30 Apr 2025 New & Upcoming
Using Recycled Carbon Fiber Nonwovens to Accelerate AAM Development Register Now
Events See All

4 May 2025
ASTM International May 2025 Committee Week
Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by ASTM, these standards improve the lives of millions every day. Several ASTM committess will meet in Toronto, Canada in May 2025.

5 May 2025
OTC – Offshore Technology Conference
Since 1969, OTC has served as a central hub convening the best and brightest minds in the world to share ideas, and innovations and discuss, debate, and build consensus around the most pressing topics facing the offshore energy sector.

6 May 2025
North American Pultrusion Conference
The North American Pultrusion Conference, presented by the American Composites Manufacturers Association in partnership with the European Pultrusion Technology Association, is a unique education and networking event that will: Showcase the latest pultrusion applications and methods Highlight how pultrusion is used within various industries and market segments Increase industry-wide understanding and knowledge of the benefits of pultrusion Join industry professionals and customers – suppliers, manufacturers, engineers, technicians, and OEMs – from across North America and abroad for the North American Pultrusion Conference.

13 May 2025
SPE Thermoset TOPCON 2025
Join leaders in the thermoset industry at TOPCON 2025 where you’ll learn about opportunities for thermoset innovative technologies in multiple markets. The event includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, technical presentations, exhibits and a special program dedicated to growing the industry.

19 May 2025
SAMPE 2025
Hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), SAMPE 2025 is North America's premier advanced materials and process engineering conference and exhibition tradeshow. SAMPE 2025 is where the advanced materials community comes together for face-to-face meetings, top-level education sessions and panels lead by the industry’s leaders and innovators.

19 May 2025
AWEA Cleanpower Conference 2025
The most knowledgeable minds in clean energy join ACP’s CLEANPOWER event to chart the future of this powerful industry and discuss the opportunities ahead. CLEANPOWER promises to grow businesses by gathering key decision makers and stakeholders across the wind, solar, storage, hydrogen, and transmission industries for discussion, deal making, networking and a whole lot of fun.

29 Apr 2025 New & Upcoming
Ceramics Expo Register Now
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10 Jan 2024
Jetcam addresses the economic importance of efficient material nesting
Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.

8 Jan 2024
Arris Composites demonstrates advantages of natural fibers applied with Additive Molding
Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.

27 Dec 2023
Cevotec white paper presents novel approach for H2 tank production
Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.

23 Nov 2023
KCARBON and KIST develop lyocell/PLA/wood biocomposites
Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.

1 Nov 2023
Exel Composites releases guide for design considerations in composite tubes
The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.

21 Jul 2023
UAMMI white paper addresses composites recycling in Utah
Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.
Articles See All

25 Apr 2025 Design and Testing
Crashworthiness testing of composites: A building block approach, Part 3
Third in a series on crashworthiness testing analyzes the upper levels of the building block approach and the importance of numerical analyses.

23 Apr 2025 Glass Fibers
Thermoplastic composite pipes provide 59% reduction in H2 distribution CO2 emissions
Hive Composites’ multilayer thermoplastic composite pipe (TPC) design meets hydrogen permeation requirements while ensuring substantial CO2 reductions compared to conventional steel pipe systems.

21 Apr 2025 Prepregs
Aerospace prepregs with braided reinforcement demonstrate improved production rates, cost
A recent time study compares the layup of a wing spar using prepreg with A&P’s TX-45 continuous braided reinforcement versus traditional twill woven prepreg.

18 Apr 2025 Aerospace
Addressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites
Kennametal explores technological advancements in composite drilling, including stacked laminates, to meet aerospace applications and sustainability challenges.

16 Apr 2025 Sustainability
Recycled carbon fiber composite panels power 40% lighter, durable semi-rigid solar panels
Designed for auxiliary power use while traveling via boat or RV, Italian startup Levante’s custom flexible or standardized semi-rigid solar panels combine the benefits of ReCarbon’s rCF and thermoplastics.

14 Apr 2025 Economics
Index remains in expansion territory despite uncertainties
The composites market saw a slight decline in the index, component and future business results but maintained a positive reading overall.

28 Apr 2025 Aerospace
A return to the Space Symposium: Charting the next frontier
Sustainability See All

25 Apr 2025 Sustainability
CW launches composites recyclers, equipment suppliers resource
With recycling becoming an increasing popular and important aspect of the composites industry, CW editors have collated this list of domestic and international players.

18 Apr 2025 Sustainability
Fraunhofer EMI develops local pyrolysis method to reclaim continuous carbon fiber
High-power laser is used for controlled “unwinding” of thermoset composites without damaging the fibers or adversely affecting their mechanical properties, making it highly useful for recycling wound structures.

18 Apr 2025 Sustainability
Addressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites
Kennametal explores technological advancements in composite drilling, including stacked laminates, to meet aerospace applications and sustainability challenges.

16 Apr 2025 Thermoplastics
Recycled carbon fiber composite panels power 40% lighter, durable semi-rigid solar panels
Designed for auxiliary power use while traveling via boat or RV, Italian startup Levante’s custom flexible or standardized semi-rigid solar panels combine the benefits of ReCarbon’s rCF and thermoplastics.

14 Apr 2025 Thermoplastics
Engel supports composites upcycling research at TH Rosenheim
Engel Group has provided the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences with a vertical injection molding machine for further R&D into the processing of thermoplastic, recyclable composites and the application of natural fibers.

14 Apr 2025 Sustainability
Syensqo Heanor site in U.K. achieves ISCC Plus accreditation
Third-party certification adds to nine other Syensqo sites now offering renewable, recycled or mass balanced ReGen composite material.

28 Apr 2025 Sustainability
NSTA issues second permit for HyNet carbon storage project
Knowledge Centers

��ñ�� Collections
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

The Now and Next in Composites

Sustainability
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.

Automated Composites
In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.

Sensors for Composite Processing

High-Temp Composite
CW Tech Days

Composites in Infrastructure and Construction
��ñ��’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

Composites in Advanced Air Mobility
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

Thermoplastics for Large Structures
Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Sustainability in Composites Manufacturing
Explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
��ñ��’s Tech Days: Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures is designed to provide a multi-perspective view of the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

New Space Applications
Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market.

Bonding and Welding
Explore the latest technologies and strategies involving bonding and welding, essential processes in the assembly and manufacturing of composite materials, providing reliable methods for joining components.

Merging Materials and Technologies for Infrastructure and Construction
During this CW Tech Days event, sponsored by Composites One, experts will offer presentations to review and evaluate the composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

Composites in the Hydrogen Economy
In these sessions, experts will discuss the emerging hydrogen economy and the opportunities for composites in this lucrative space.
Collections See All

Composites in Hydrogen Storage
A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.

Recycled Composites
This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.

Thermoplastic Composites
This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.

Tooling
This collection features recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

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TIGHITCO Inc.

TIGHITCO Inc.

AS SEEN ON CW

8450 Palmetto Commerce Parkway
Ladson, SC 29456 US
843-376-0409
jpalmer@tighitco.com

About TIGHITCO Inc.

Unique and complex contoured aerospace composite structures and assemblies, honeycomb and metal-bonded panels and sheet-metal details in support of assemblies. 3D printing design and fabrication for aerospace applications. ITAR and OP Sec in Berlin, CT facility and Ladson, SC.

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As Seen On ��ñ��

Tighitco receives production, spares award for CH-53K helicopter

People in Composites: October 2022

Moving continuous-fiber 3D printing into production

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