Composites Use in Consumer Products
The complexity and costs of design and manufacture with composite materials lend them well to structural applications like aircraft wings, boat hulls, and car bodies. However, one of the largest markets by volume for composites is consumer goods, including electronics, sporting goods, bathtubs and swimming pools, bicycles, recreational vehicles (RV) and more.
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Carbitex, Blumaka composite insole tackles sport injury prevention
The Carbon Elite Insole combines Carbitex’s ability to provide dynamic flexibility and rigidity where needed with Blumaka’s nonslip insole to prevent initial injury and recurrence for athletes at all levels.
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Composite innovations feature automotive, water sports, UAV and consumer project versatility
JEC World 2025: Precision, performance and reliability are at the core of Cobra International’s display, involving a front end, portfolio of water sports applications, a fixed wing drone and more.
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R.F. Innova Srl supports luxury creations through composite waste rework
Founder Enrico Raimondo has developed a technique that enables the reuse of waste accumulated during composites processing.
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Injection molding expertise achieves composites mobility innovation
JEC World 2025: A partner in three JEC Award products, Engel demonstrates how its injection molding equipment can set new benchmarks in applications like bike handlebars and interior vehicle components.
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Composites end markets: Sports and recreation (2025)
The use of composite materials in high-performance sporting goods continues to grow, with new advancements including thermoplastic and sustainability-focused materials and automated processes.
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Shapers Australia presents Kinetix epoxy systems
The ATL Composites distributor cites the high-performance resin range’s ability to bridge the gap between other polyester and modern epoxy systems, making it well suited to composite surfboard production.
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Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.
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Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
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The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
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ExoTechnologies completes testing on recyclable motorcycle helmet
Helmet fabricated from Danu composites demonstrates improved weight reduction, impact resistance and complete recyclability compared to carbon fiber alternatives.
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Arris debuts consumer-driven brand for carbon fiber tech
Limited-edition products, from footwear to phone cases, will be available through Aurorra by Arris.
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DITF, Fiber Engineering highlight biodegradable natural fiber plant pot project
Materials and fabrication process R&D achieves low-cost, compostable plant pots made from invasive hyacinth fibers and a thermoplastic matrix processed via hot press.
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Carbitex secures capital for next phase of growth in carbon fiber plate footwear
Carbitex Inc. announces the close of a recent funding round, aiding its 2-year effort to restructure the company and expand its global market presence.
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Self-balancing electric mobility vehicle developed by Genny Factory SA, RadiciGroup, Acerbis
The two-wheeled personal transporter was redesigned from metal to composite and plastic components to reduce weight while meeting performance standards.
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Syensqo provides PARA resin for Artiphon musical instrument
Artiphon has chosen Syensqo’s Ixef PARA fiber-filled resin in the production of Chorda, its custom handheld electronic musical instrument.
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Repurposing wind blades as functional community art pieces
Ohio-based Canvus Inc. upcycles fiberglass wind blades, car tires and post-consumer plastics to create outdoor furniture that amplifies sustainability messages in community spaces.
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Plant tour: Arris Composites, Berkeley, Calif., U.S.
The creator of Additive Molding is leveraging automation and thermoplastics to provide high-volume, high-quality, sustainable composites manufacturing services.
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Running shoe insoles get a lift with thermoplastic fiberglass tapes
FlexSpring insoles take advantage of unidirectional, continuous fiberglass and thermoplastics to enable next-level performance for the everyday runner.
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Lighter, stronger, faster bionic hand aided by composites design
Psyonic’s touch-sensing prosthetic hand leverages bionic technology, 3D printing and a carbon fiber composite exterior for light weight, high strength and high-tech functionality.
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Digital Demo: UV-Cured Powder Coating on Carbon Fiber
Keyland Polymer's R&D chemist will demonstrate the UV powder coating application process followed by UV curing on a carbon fiber water bottle holder. (Sponsored)
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Materials & Processes: Fibers for composites
The structural properties of composite materials are derived primarily from the fiber reinforcement. Fiber types, their manufacture, their uses and the end-market applications in which they find most use are described.
Read MoreFAQ: Consumer
How are composites used in sporting goods?
Carbon fiber composite bicycle frames are the highest-profile application of composites in sporting goods – but they have also long been used in high-performance fishing rods, tennis rackets, skis, surfboards and more. Protective equipment such as helmets, or high-performance athletic shoes, can also be made with composite materials.
How are composites used in consumer electronics?
Composites are often used under the cover of consumer electronics, such as for components in circuit boards. Composites have also been trialed for lightweight, high-performance laptop and phone covers and other applications.
How are carbon fiber composite bikes manufactured?
Today, many carbon fiber composite bike frames are fabricated and shipped from fabricators in Asian countries, largely incorporating labor-intensive hand layup processes with carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy prepreg. Efforts are being made to develop more bicycle manufacturing in the U.S. and Europe, including more automated processes and thermoplastic materials, or even 3D printing.