Injection/Overmolding
Overmolding expands PEEK’s range in composites
A new polymer and a hybrid process enable production of complex, high-load-capable, fiber-reinforced brackets and clips in minutes.
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Thermosets vs. thermoplastics: Is the battle over?
Dale Brosius, the chief commercialization officer for the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and a regular CW columnist, sees a shift in the industry from infighting between proponents of thermoset and thermoplastic composites to a healthier competitive atmosphere that serves to make composites overall more competitive with legacy materials.
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Understanding the influence of fiber orientation on structural analysis of fiber-filled parts
The effect of fiber orientation on material properties is a key way the injection molding process impacts mechanical performance. Doug Kenik and Angie Schrader of the Design, Lifecycle & Simulation product group at Autodesk (Waltham, MA, US) illustrates two ways fiber orientation influences the structural behavior of fiber-filled parts and discuss the need for a bi-directional approach to design and analysis.
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Carbon fiber as a replacement for glass fiber in D-LFT auto parts
Research progresses toward attainment of 80-90% of continuous carbon fiber tensile modulus in lighter parts molded from direct long fiber thermoplastic compounds.
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The ends will be justified by the means
CW Editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan recalls the one question he's consistently fielded throughout his quarter century in magazine editing and publishing: “Don’t you worry about running out of things to write about?” Here's his answer.
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Polyamide improves impeller performance
Direct-to-milled-tool process simplifies large deck mold development.
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Fraunhofer ICT develops lightweight cylinder casing
Car manufacturers may be able to achieve weight savings with cylinder blocks that feature parts made of fiber-reinforced plastics.
Read MoreNew thermoplastic work cell to test overmolding
Lanxess subsidiary Bond-Laminates has a new work cell for demonstrating automated Tepex forming and overmolding for process development.
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Autocomposites Update: Engine oil pans
As thermoplastic composites makes inroads into these complex, modular parts, weight and cost go down, functionality goes up.
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Looking for Lindberghs
Every paradigm-shifting invention throughout human history has been met with skepticism. CW editor-in-chief Jeff Sloan says the composites industry has need of those willing to attempt what most believe impossible.
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