Automation

The rise of HP-RTM

Decades of development have propelled it to prominence but its future demands industrial solutions for handling cost, complexity and process control.

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Aerospace

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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Automation

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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Nanomaterials

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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Thermoplastics

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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Carbon Fibers

Leichtbau ist hybridbau

Integrating multiple materials and functions for lightweight construction in the German automotive industry.

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Aerospace

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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Aerospace

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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Wind/Energy

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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Weaving

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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microwire technology for composites