Weaving
Market Trends: This industry is ready to explode
I recently was invited to speak at the COMPOSITESWORLD Carbon Fiber Conference, held Dec. 5–7, 2007, in Washington, D.C. As usual it was a successful gathering of fiber manufacturers and users. As a consultant to the composites industry, I’ve tracked carbon fiber supply and demand for years. Some of you might remember
Read MoreNAIA Show Highlights
The 2007 Detroit Auto Show emphasizes “green” themes and high performance.
Read MoreDust Collection: Expense or Investment?
Well-engineered dust control systems not only improve shop air quality but also boost productivity, prolong machine life and save energy.
Read MoreMarket Outlook: Carbon fiber in sporting goods
Although demand for carbon composites in aircraft has put a squeeze on long-established sporting goods categories, carbon’s use in sports soon will set new records.
Read MoreTooling Update: New dimensions in tooling
Nanoenhancements, out-of-autoclave strategies and low-pressure RTM headline efforts to increase mold quality and productivity and cut tool cost.
Read MoreEngineering Insights: Pedestrian Bridge Makes Case for Composites
Infusion molded deck incorporates high-performance core, which facilitates fast processing.
Read MoreFriction products: Carbon fiber stopping power
Low weight, thermal shock resistance, and extreme strength drive growth of carbon-reinforced friction products and materials in brake applications.
Read MoreFocus on Design: Composite adaptor board supports medical treatment
Carbon fiber/epoxy the only material choice in this critical X-ray application.
Read MoreHigh-volume molding methods
Compression molding is a high-volume thermoset molding process that employs expensive but very durable metal dies. It is an appropriate choice when production quantities exceed 10,000 parts. As many as 200,000 parts can be turned out on a set of forged steel dies, using sheet molding compound (SMC), a composite sheet
Read MoreCritical fiber sizing
To achieve desirable properties in composite components, adhesion between fiber and matrix must be optimized. Adhesion requires sufficient saturation with resin (wetout) at the fiber/matrix interface. To ensure good adhesion, attention must be given to fiber surface preparation, such as the use of a surface finish or
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