Sustainability
It's time for the U.S. to invest in advanced composites manufacturing
Consultant and president of Quickstep Composites (Dayton, Ohio) Dale Brosius suggests that it’s time for an Institute for Manufacturing Innovation (IMI), created under the proposed U.S. National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI).
Read MoreWalmart uses CFRP to boost efficiency
The new Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience (WAVE) truck uses carbon fiber to cut 4,000 lb/1,814 kg and includes 53-ft/16.2m long, one-piece CFRP trailer panels.
WatchMeter/mix/dispense machines: Doubling down on control
The latest equipment solutions deliver lower costs, faster cycle times and better part properties.
Read MoreFossil and mineral resources: Composites expand
Attention-grabbing applications in these challenging, corrosive environments are positioning fiber-reinforced polymers for continued growth.
Read MoreDesigning pressure vessels for seawater desalination plants
Safe high-pressure service challenges manufacturers of composite pressure vessels.
Read MoreVIDEO: Helicopter Drop Test
NASA evaluates composites’ ability to improve helicopter crashworthiness by dropping a helicopter fuselage to simulate a severe survivable crash according to military and commercial transport requirements.
WatchBMI and benzoxazine battle for future OOA aerocomposites
Offering weight, cost and process advantages, these “hot zone” resins are moving down the thermometer and into out-of-autoclave structural applications and autoclavable tooling now dominated by epoxies.
Read MoreBenzoxazine: An alternative to phenolic for interior fire safety?
As research into benzoxazine resin chemistry proceeds, this budding high-performance system has the potential to challenge phenolic resins in aircraft interiors.
Read MoreOut-of-autoclave manufacturing: The green solution
Regular HPC columnist Dale Brosius calls attention to the environmental benefits of out-of-autoclave processing.
Read MoreCarbon Fiber 2013 report, part 2: Automotive
Carbon fiber's future in automotive applications is not a sure thing, but the potential is real.
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