Composites Processes

Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.

Addressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites
Machining/Drilling

Addressing rivet hole drilling challenges for aerospace composites

Kennametal explores technological advancements in composite drilling, including stacked laminates, to meet aerospace applications and sustainability challenges.

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Latest Processes Articles

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Haddy opens LFAM microfactory in Florida for localized, agile composite parts production

CEAD helped Haddy inaugurate the AI-powered microfactory complete with eight Flexbot robotic systems for end-to-end 3D printing and 16-times production capacity.

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Thermoplastics

Wickert press advances Chemnitz polymers, composites and metals research

Since its installation, the rapid heating/cooling press has become of great importance to the Institute for Lightweight Structures’ work in processing high-performance structural and hybrid components for industrial-scale applications.

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RAW Idea expands composites capabilities with hybrid 3D printer

Installation of LSAM printer from CEAD broadens RAW Idea’s ability to work with advanced composites and manufacture parts with greater efficiency and precision.

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Thermoplastics

Engel supports composites upcycling research at TH Rosenheim

Engel Group has provided the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences with a vertical injection molding machine for further R&D into the processing of thermoplastic, recyclable composites and the application of natural fibers.

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Airtech acquires Kimya assets, extends AM filament capabilities

Kimya’s filaments portfolio will be offered alongside Airtech’s Dahltram pellet and filament resins, adding to its LFAM and thermoplastic product line.

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Wind/Energy

In oil and gas, an additive manufacturing standard (API 20T) will aid adoption of composites

Polymer AM equipment maker Roboze sees how the oil and gas industry’s way forward with additive is like that of another high-stakes industry, aerospace, and also different in important aspects.

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Knowledge Centers

CW Tech Days: Sustainability
CW Tech Days: Sustainability

This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.

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The CAMX Forecast
The CAMX Forecast

Headed to CAMX? Preview the technology before the show!

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Latest Processes News And Updates

Wind/Energy

We4Ce designs rotor blades for TouchWind’s floating one-piece rotor turbine

Tiltable, liftable one-piece composite rotor design aims to withstand storm-force winds, boost energy yield and enable more compact offshore wind farms.

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ATL/AFP

TPRC develops continuous optical reflection characterization setup for AFP 

As part of the NXTGEN Hightech program, developer Joran Geschiere achieved a setup that can characterize entire spool lengths of UD tape meant for the AFP process.

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Automotive

IPS Adhesives debuts Scigrip SG2000 adhesive in North America

The adhesive’s 1:1 mix ratio and long open time provides transportation, construction and marine industries with much-needed routine simplification and flexibility.

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CEAD announces strategic partnership with Polymaker

CEAD grows validated 3D printing composites material range, further expands LFAM potential with Polymaker’s extensive global network and 3D printing materials offerings.

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Aerospace

Uavos tailors composite curing oven for aerospace customer

Oven-700-4000, offering precise temperature control and low operating costs, has been customized to the client’s requirements, emphasizing Uavos’ ability to deliver on the specific needs of its customers.

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Glass Fibers

Caracol delivers high-performance, customized 3D printed elements to Pershing sports utility yacht

Heron AM platform demonstrated its capability of fabricating complex superstructural composite parts for the luxury yachting industry with intricate geometries, more efficiency and less waste.

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Featured Posts

JEC World 2025 highlights: New thermoplastics, PI fiber, solutions for FR, machining, digitized processes and more

CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses latest developments in composites from this year’s show.

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Electronics

Plasma moves beyond improved bonding to coatings, multifunctional composites

Plasmatreat cold plasma systems clean, activate surfaces and apply nanocoatings for dielectric barriers and more.

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Welding

Inside the MFFD — CW's coverage of the Clean Aviation multifunctional fuselage demonstrator

ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ rounds up coverage of the MFFD project over the past decade. Now complete, the MFFD illustrates numerous processes and technologies for manufacturing primary aerospace structures using thermoplastic composites. 

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Automotive

ASCEND program completion: Transforming the U.K.'s high-rate composites manufacturing capability

GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K. partners chart the final chapter of the 4-year, £39.6 million ASCEND program, which accomplished significant progress in high-rate production, Industry 4.0 and sustainable composites manufacturing.

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Molds/Tools

VIDEO: Enhancing composite tooling with additive manufacturing

At JEC World 2025, CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis explored the latest advancements in composite tooling with Massivit and Sika.

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High-tension, vertical filament winding enables affordable flywheel energy storage system

French startup Energiestro’s prototype solar energy flywheel-based storage system aims to reduce costs with glass fiber composites and prestressed concrete.

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