Aerospace

Wind/Energy

IP vigilance: Good business?

CW editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan observes that in the composites industry, where much of what is considered to be trade secrets and proprietary knowledge really isn't, a better course might be to share that knowledge and, thus, advance the industry as a whole.

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Wind/Energy

CW Business Index at 50.4 – First growth in two months

Steve Kline, Jr., the director of market intelligence for Gardner Business Media Inc. (Cincinnati, OH, US), the publisher of ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ magazine, outlines the results of the ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ Business Index survey for June 2015.

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Aerospace

AFP/ATL evolution: Dual-process workcells

Independent contractor and occasional CE columnist Carroll Grant draws attention to a recent phenomenon in the development of automated lamination equipment: machinery capable of operating interchangeable AFP and ATL heads.

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Aerospace

The possible meaning of mergers and acquisitions

Avcorp acquires Hitco Carbon Composites, Precision Castparts acquires Composites Horizons and Lockheed Martin acquires Sikorsky. What the heck?

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Space

IBEX 2015 to feature new and emerging technologies

The annual boatbuilders' event, Sept. 15-17 in Louisville, KY, US, will feature a 3D Digital Workshop, Future Materials and more.

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Aerospace

Automation and rapid processing dominate at JEC Americas

Highlights include Fiber Patch Preforming, automated potting and insert equipment and processes delivering composite parts in minutes.

Watch

Additive manufacturing in automotive applications

Although they have been overshadowed by aerospace applications, 3D-printed tools also are finding a place in automotive processing. Here's one example.

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Molds/Tools

3D-printed fixtures & jigs

Holding fixtures, jigs, trim tools and metal-forming dies can be expensive elements of post-mold composite part processing and assembly. Additive manufacturing, therefore, is proving especially useful in reducing the design/build time/cost in this area.

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Aerospace

A growing trend: 3D printing of aerospace tooling

Toolmakers and OEMs are embracing additive manufacturing for customized, rapid tools, masters and jigs.

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Defense

Workforce development: Let's start in high school

CW Editor-in-Chief Jeff Sloan says one concern at the otherwise positive initial membership meeting of the new Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) was that the composites industry is quickly losing knowledge, as old-timers retire, that is not so easily replaced. Here's his prescription.

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