Automation
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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Sailing the sea with composite wings
Autonomous sailing vessel patrols with patented WingSail technology.
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A350 XWB update: Smart manufacturing
Spirit AeroSystems actualizes Airbus’ intelligent design for the A350’s center fuselage and front wing spar in Kinston, N.C.
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Status update on composites automation
Consultant Carroll Grant reviews progress made in recent years toward greater variety in automated composites processing machine sizes configurations and capabilities.
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New filament to make composites "smart"
CW Conferences director Scott Stephenson premiers a showcase for new ideas overheard at CW Conferences.
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The digital thread: Transformation to automation
Dr. Leslie Cohen traces the “digital thread” on which automation of composites fabrication processes depends.
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Windpower 2009 highlights
The show confirmed wind energy’s status as a recession-proof market for composites, but blade manufacturers were put on notice about the need to automate.
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Offshore wind: How big will blades get?
Explosive growth in offshore wind farms will push the limits of blade engineering as manufacturers pursue massive designs that will harvest more megawatts.
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Wind Blade Manufacturing, Part I: M and P innovations optimize production
As demand for wind turbines reaches unprecedented levels, rotor blade manufacturers explore new production strategies, including automation and blade segmentation.
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Structural health monitoring: Composites get smart
New initiatives are mainstreaming real-time monitoring systems into composites on aircraft, wind blades and other critical performance structures.
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