Automation
Thermoplastic composites “clip” time, labor on small but crucial parts
Preconsolidated carbon fiber/PPS and PEEK and automated thermoforming enable six-figure production of connectors for the Airbus A350 XWB.
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NRL’s robot predicts how composites will perform in large aircraft
As private companies and the military continue to look to advanced composites for new aerospace and other applications, NRL's robot may help get aircraft from factory to fleet faster.
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Smart carbon nanotubes for wind turbine blade anti-icing system
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing researches develop energy-efficient method to free turbine blades from ice in seconds.
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CAMISMA’s car seat back: Hybrid composite for high volume
Recycled fibers, in-situ polymerized PA12 and steel inserts combined in one-shot process to cut weight 40 percent at competitive cost, cycle time and safety.
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Leichtbau ist hybridbau
Integrating multiple materials and functions for lightweight construction in the German automotive industry.
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Automating the CH-53K’s composite flexbeams
Accudyne doubles the part production rate and eliminates layup errors through stepwise automation of this primary structure’s complex hand layup process.
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JEC Americas 2014 Review
Composites industry exhibitors at this combined show emphasized the textile side of the fiber/resin mix and touted process automation.
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Meter/mix/dispense machines: Doubling down on control
The latest equipment solutions deliver lower costs, faster cycle times and better part properties.
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Structural preform technologies emerge from the shadows
Not yet in full production, with one exception, all are aimed at accelerating composite part manufacture at fast automotive rates.
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Composites automation: Trending smaller and robotic
Although AFP and automated tape laying (ATL) lamination technologies are widely used in the aircraft industry, market conditions in the past few years are driving some changes in composites equipment supplier product lines. Consultant Carroll Grant explains why.
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