Troubleshooter
Troubleshooting thermoplastic composite stamp forming
Understand the basic science of TPC stamp forming, a manufacturing process steadily gaining momentum in aerospace and mobility applications thanks to its rapid forming, short cycle times and automated methods.
Read More
Selecting a meter/mix dispensing machine
Choosing the right meter/mix dispensing machine requires careful evaluation of key material and process parameters to develop a precise specification, ensuring key metrics such as accuracy, output, reliability, quality and maintenance efficiency.
Read More
Seven tips for machining composite aerospace components
Machining composite materials is a dusty, arduous and abrasive process that is hard on cutting tools, requiring the right combination of strategies and know-how to properly navigate their dynamics.
Watch
Avoiding pitfalls in the design of LFAM composite components
Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.
Read More
Guidance for the thermoforming process
A briefing on some of the common foam core material types, forming methods and tooling requirements.
Read More
Revisiting the double vacuum debulk process
Evolution of the double vacuum debulk (DVD) process over the years continues to advance its “near autoclave quality” for low-void, highly compacted repair patches.
Read More
Fastener selection for composite materials
How to navigate terminology, materials and functionality in choosing the right fastener for components or assemblies involving composite materials.
Read More
Nondestructive inspection methods available to composites manufacturers
An overview of composite laminate inspection techniques ranging from manual testing methods to more advanced, noncontact options.
Read More
Aerodynamic considerations when repairing complex composite structures
An example process gives steps and issues to consider when determining the most effective repair method for preserving the aerodynamic surface of a complex-contoured composite sandwich structure.
Read More
The basics of composite drawing interpretation
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.
Read More