Resins
Thermoplastic composites: European consortia, galore!
In addition to the Thermoplastic Composites Research Center (TPRC, Enschede, The Netherlands) — see our article focused on TPRC, titled "Thermoplastic composites technology: A view from Europe" under "Editor's Picks, at top right — there are many other European consortia, comprising private industry, university and government entities, which share the goals of exploring composites materials and methods for manufacturing them, including those with thermoplastic matrices. Here's a sampling.
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In-orbit-deployable radar dish
Aramid/PEI delivers flexibility, strength and precision for space-based reflector
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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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Turning ideas into innovative composites
From helmets to harps to the new Formula Lites all-carbon race car, Crawford Composites pursues perfection in a wide array of carbon fiber parts.
Read MoreDow: 60-second epoxy is in range with liquid compression molding
Dow Automotive Systems (Horgen, Switzerland) made big news at JEC Europe 2014 with the introduction of VORAFORCE, its ultralow-viscosity, fast-cure epoxy for automotive molding.
Read MoreHexion is Hexion again, with a 60-second epoxy in hand
Resins manufacturer Hexion (Columbus, OH, US), which has spent the past few years going by the name Momentive, is back to being called Hexion.
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The rise of HP-RTM
Decades of development have propelled it to prominence but its future demands industrial solutions for handling cost, complexity and process control.
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Thermoplastic composites “clip” time, labor on small but crucial parts
Preconsolidated carbon fiber/PPS and PEEK and automated thermoforming enable six-figure production of connectors for the Airbus A350 XWB.
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Polyamide improves impeller performance
Direct-to-milled-tool process simplifies large deck mold development.
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HP-RTM on the rise
Decades of development have propelled it to prominence but its future demands industrial solutions for handling cost, complexity and process control.
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