Work In Progress
3D printing continuous fiber on the desktop
Additive manufacturing technology company expands offerings to include high-performance composites.
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Modular, mobile, multiple robotics poised to change the AFP/ATL paradigm
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is working on two multi-robot automated fiber and tape placement technologies that could change the paradigm in large-part aerocomposites manufacturing.
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Carbon fiber/epoxy for automotive mass reduction, mass production
IACMI precompetitive research explores carbon fiber-reinforced prepreg, SMC with novel matrix for structural passenger-car applications.
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Rocket module manufactured with in-situ consolidation survives first flight test
A carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRP) module developed at the Technical University of Munich survived its first launch — and a “hard landing” — in March.
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Compression presses keep evolving in response to composites innovation
Shorter, lighter, smaller footprint Fiberpress machines are ideal for facilities with lower ceilings, automated production lines.
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Injection-forming for high-performance, unitized thermoplastic structures
Combining braided tape, overmolding and form-locking, herone produces one-piece, high-torque gear-driveshaft as demonstrator for broad range of applications.
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Acrylonitrile from biomass scales up
Affordable, sustainable, efficient manufacture of biomass-based acrylonitrile — the primary feedstock of carbon fiber production — is leaving the lab and entering the real world.
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Evolving AFP for the next generation
‘Aerospace quality at automotive pace’ is the mantra of the supply chain being developed for next-generation commercial aircraft. Automation is evolving to meet the challenge.
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Spirit AeroSystems debuts next-generation composite fuselage panel
The 18-by-12-foot (5.5-by-3.7-meter) demonstrator panel debuted at the Paris Air Show features integrated skin and stringers and offers substantial cost savings combined with strong performance attributes.
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Split tow carbon fiber boosts SMC performance
Pre-spread, pre-scored tow band provides better fiber dispersion, wetout, molding properties.
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