Fabrics/Preforms

Grid/skin structures explained

Composites expert and veteran Stephen Tsai and automated tape and fiber placement specialist MTorres have published “Composite Double-Double and Grid/Skin Structures: Low Weight/Low Cost Design and Manufacturing,” a design and manufacturing guide for the fabrication of grid-stiffened composite structures.

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Work In Progress

Spirit AeroSystems debuts next-generation composite fuselage panel

The 18-by-12-foot (5.5-by-3.7-meter) demonstrator panel debuted at the Paris Air Show features integrated skin and stringers and offers substantial cost savings combined with strong performance attributes.

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Fabrics/Preforms

CarbonPro box: new forming process

From materials to assembly, the carbon fiber composite CarbonPro box manufacturing process features innovative, automated preforming technologies.

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Feature

Large, high-volume, infused composite structures on the aerospace horizon

Infused carbon fiber composite structures are not new, but they have never been built at the rates anticipated for next-generation, single-aisle aircraft. It is a daunting prospect — but a feasible one.

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Mass Transit

WMG prototypes CFRP frame for Very Light Rail (VLR) demonstration vehicle

Braided thermoplastic composite frame enables lightweight, recyclability and high-volume manufacturing.

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Thermoplastics

DARPA presents TFF program for low-cost composites for defense

Results reviewed at SAMPE 2019 show new materials and side-by-side comparisons of thermoset, thermoplastic, HP-RTM and press-forming, including PtFS molding cell.

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Infusion

Hexcel fabrics chosen for Sunseeker performance cruiser

Hexcel’s HiMax Dot Pattern Adhesive fabrics have been chosen for resin infusion of Sunseeker’s newest high-performance luxury yacht.

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Cutting/Kitting

Zero-waste: New process, equipment recycles prepreg, tape offal

Technology provides sustainable approach to reusing valuable thermoplastic scrap in chips-based laminate.

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Wind/Energy

Ahlstrom-Munksjö introduces HighFlow Marine glass and carbon fiber reinforcement fabrics

The HighFlow Marine product range consists of several unidirectional and biaxial reinforcement fabrics, with various infusion speeds for marine manufacturing.

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Aerospace

JEC World 2019: Cevotec engine nacelle demonstrator

Automated layup of multiple materials onto honeycomb core for 3D parts proven with Safran Nacelles collaboration.

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