Composites Basics

Avoiding pitfalls in the design of LFAM composite components

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

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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 ÂÌñÏׯÞ.

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Guidance for the thermoforming process

A briefing on some of the common foam core material types, forming methods and tooling requirements.

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Troubleshooter

Revisiting the double vacuum debulk process

Evolution of the double vacuum debulk (DVD) process over the years continues to advance its “near autoclave quality” for low-void, highly compacted repair patches.

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Fastener selection for composite materials

How to navigate terminology, materials and functionality in choosing the right fastener for components or assemblies involving composite materials.

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Nondestructive inspection methods available to composites manufacturers

An overview of composite laminate inspection techniques ranging from manual testing methods to more advanced, noncontact options.

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Aerodynamic considerations when repairing complex composite structures

An example process gives steps and issues to consider when determining the most effective repair method for preserving the aerodynamic surface of a complex-contoured composite sandwich structure.

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Celebrating 30 years of ÂÌñÏׯÞ, Part 1

CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.

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Troubleshooter

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.

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PEKK

PEEK vs. PEKK vs. PAEK and continuous compression molding

Suppliers of thermoplastics and carbon fiber chime in regarding PEEK vs. PEKK, and now PAEK, as well as in-situ consolidation — the supply chain for thermoplastic tape composites continues to evolve.

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