Workforce Development
Part design criteria
Designers of composite parts can choose from a wide variety of fiber reinforcements and resin systems. Knowledge of material properties is a prerequisite to satisfactory product design, but cost is a major factor, as well. Over-designed composites cannot compete with lower-cost, established material systems. The
Read MoreSafety/environmental concerns
Fabricators and OEMs must address health, safety and environmental concerns when producing and handling composite materials. Their methods for maintaining a safe workplace include periodic training, adherence to detailed handling procedures, maintenance of current toxicity information, use of protective equipment
Read MoreRepairing flying composite structures
As the Boeing 787 nears first flight, certification and delivery and as the design of the Airbus A350 XWB is solidified, we hear more and more about how airlines that fly these planes might deal with maintenance and repair.
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Composites: Past, Present and Future: Marine Composites Training and Education, Part II
Last issue, in Part I, Andre Cocquyt identified the dire need for technical training in marine composites. In Part 2, he outlines a plan that could meet that need.
Read MoreWaterjet cutting system tackles big job, outdoor environment
When Plasti-Fab Inc. (Tualatin, Ore.), a manufacturer of corrosion-resistant equipment for water and wastewater treatment and control, landed a contract to cut hundreds of circles out of 8,000-lb/3,629-kg, 1-inch/25 mm thick rectangular fiberglass plates, the company needed an efficient cutting solution. Tests with a
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Composites: Past, Present and Future: Marine Composites Training and Education, Part I
In Part I of a series about the past, present and future of training in marine composites, Andre Cocquyt outlines the historical difficulty composites manufacturers have had in finding qualified technicians, and how that reality led to his involvement in the development of training programs.
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Inside Manufacturing: Tooling Method Replicates Intricate Woodgrain in Fiberglass Doors
Toolmaker becomes molder to offer the beauty of natural wood and the durability and weatherability of composites to residential entry door OEMs.
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High Wind in China
China's renewable energy mandates motivate huge growth in its wind energy market, spurring production of composite components on the Chinese mainland.
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Market Trends: Composites Affordability Initiative, Part II
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Dr. John Russell continues an outline the U.S. Department of Defense Composites Affordability Initiative. Part II of a two-part series.
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