Materials

Carbon Fibers

Port Angeles Composite Recycling Technology Center wins federal grant

The $2 million from the US Department of Commerce will retrofit a building in Port Angeles, WA, US, to house the industrial and training facilities for the Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC).

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Resins for the Fast Zone

An automotive supplier must have the ability to produce a composite part in a minute, or at least in minutes — not hours or days, the norm for composites in most other industries. Meeting that part-per-minutes goal is a huge hurdle that a few composite fabricators have cleared, and many more are involved in development efforts, with OEM or Tier partners. ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ reviews how resin suppliers have evolved their products for this critical market.

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Shelby GT350R features carbon fiber wheels

Ford worked with Australia-based Carbon Revolution to develop the one-piece all-carbon fiber wheels, which save 60 lb in weight but provide better steering response.

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Molds/Tools

Bespoke sports cars’ composite body speaks volumes

Glass-reinforced plastic artfully captures classic curves, crash-protects passengers and stunningly packages its maker’s high-performance but highly fuel-efficient diesel powertrain.

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Carbon Fibers

Composite air brakes: Stopping the world’s fastest car

CFRP sandwich structures a key element of deceleration in the Bloodhound SSC rocket-powered racer’s two-run attempt at resetting the land speed record.

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PEEK

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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Thermoplastics

Composite engine piston cylinder housings

Phenolic BMC could replace aluminum in car/motorcycle engine housings.

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Automotive

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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Consumer

Composites enable innovative prototype for snow mountain bike

A group of engineering students from the University of Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada) believe mountain biking should be enjoyed year-round.

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Wind/Energy

Wind energy: No blades needed?

A startup seeks to take the blades out of wind generators.

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