VoltAero inaugurates its industrial facility in Rochefort for the final assembly line for the family of Cassio electric-hybrid aircraft, to incorporate composite elements.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) tool and Industry Accelerator and University Outreach programs are designed to fast-track decarbonization as regulatory frameworks tighten and consumer demand for sustainability grows.

CompoTech, Kongsberg PCS collaboration integrates foam-cored design, automated placement of pitch and PAN fibers to achieve award-winning increase in speed and precision.

How the predictive tool “CZone” is applied to simulate the axial crushing response of composites, providing valuable insights into their use for motorsport applications.

Despite court-approved insolvency filings and beginning first investor briefings, Lilium remains fully focused on re-emerging following restructuring, setting its sights on fresh investment to support the Lilium Jet.

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Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.

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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.

Third World Sailing award nomination highlights the company’s focus on marine innovation using sustainable composite materials.

Filament winding is the oldest and simplest of the automated composite manufacturing processes. It’s primarily used to fabricate pressure vessels, pipes and sporting equipment including golf clubs created from glass or carbon fiber material to be autoclave-cured afterward.

Wider material is more prone to process failure when deposited on non-flat surfaces. As a result, almost all ATL applications feature a large, flat surface. Too much curvature on a form can render ATL incapable of being used without producing significant defects. Therefore, prime applications of ATL include aircraft stringer charges and other flat parts that can be easily kitted together for gains in manufacturing efficiency.

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Closed mold processes have many advantages over open molding. In this knowledge center, learn the basics and vital tools needed to produce parts accurately.

The automation of composites manufacturing takes many forms. Automation of fiber deposition methods include Automated Fiber Placement (AFP),  Automated Tape Laying (ATL), and filament winding. Automation of supporting processes includes material cutting, tool preparation and cleaning and part inspection. The net effect of this automation, when compared to  manual processes, includes:

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.

The biggest drawback with robots has been reduced accuracy compared to other systems. This challenge has been overcome in recent years due to increased joint feedback systems and better hardware all around.

CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.

CompoTech, Kongsberg PCS collaboration integrates foam-cored design, automated placement of pitch and PAN fibers to achieve award-winning increase in speed and precision.

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Japan Airlines’ and Sumitomo’s joint venture company intends to purchase up to 100 Midnight aircraft to certify and commercialize AAM services across Japan.

The most obvious difference between AFP and ATL is that material widths used for ATL are wider than AFP. ATL material, called “tape”, can range from 3in (75mm) to 12in (300mm) for most commercial applications. Although the material is oftentimes the same fiber and resin as used in AFP, wider material directly affects manufacturing capabilities.

Czech Republic facility takes post-consumer waste and converts it into high-quality formulations, such as the Synolite 4600 and 1112-G series, for composites manufacturing.

Delivery of the single-spindle robotic setup with an ATP head will advance the R&D organization’s work in CUBIC, GENEX and Carbo4power initiatives targeting sustainable composites development.

The annual Conference on Composites, Materials, and Structures (also known as the Cocoa Beach Conference) is the preeminent export controlled and ITAR restricted forum in the United States to review and discuss advances in materials for extreme environments. The Conference started in the 1970s as a small informal gathering for government and industry to share information on programs and state-of-the-art technology. Attendance has grown to nearly 500 people while preserving this same objective to share needs and trends in high-temperature and extreme environment materials, and the latest information on advanced materials and manufacturing processes. The five-day conference program includes two to three parallel sessions per day on topics including thermal protection materials, ceramic matrix composites, carbon-carbon materials, ballistic technologies, hypersonics, and gas turbine engines. Attendees are engineers, scientists, managers, and operational personnel from the turbine engine, aviation, missiles and space, and protective equipment communities. These communities include the Navy, Air Force, Army, MDA, NASA, DARPA, FAA, DOE, engine manufacturers, missile and aircraft manufacturers, commercial space companies, and material and component suppliers. Participation is limited to U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents only with an active DD2345 certification.

This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.

Composite materials are being successfully adopted for certification and low initial rate production (LRIP) in eVTOL aircraft variants today. As demand for eVTOL grows, vehicle build rates will increase and the challenge of high-rate composite production will become a reality. Syensqo is developing composite material solutions to meet the most demanding requirements for eVTOL's vehicles of today and tomorrow. This presentation will focus on the key drivers and Syensqo's approach to unlocking the full potential of composite materials for eVTOL blades. Agenda:  A review of the advanced air mobility market status The future challenges facing composite materials adoption Key drivers for advanced air mobility rotor blades Syensqo's advanced materials solutions for blades

More than 50 of the production-ready AFP solution for small- to medium-scale composite part manufacturing have been installed and is rapidly growing thanks to its affordability and versatility.

CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.

Collaboration aims to overcome production limitations with tubular thermoplastic composites (TPC) by using induction-heated tooling and high-quality commingled braids.

Learn how automation not only enhances deposition of composite material but can increase speed and efficiency for supporting processes as well.

Air Force-funded initiative looks to LFAM thermoset, thermoplastic advancement for fast, inexpensive composite tooling production.

The Summit consists of a range of 12 high-level lectures by 14 invited speakers. Topics are composites-related innovations in automotive/transport, space/aerospace, advanced materials, process engineering, as well as challenging applications in other markets like architecture, construction, sports, energy, marine and more. High-ranked speakers are from China, Japan, USA, and Europe. Attendees are managers of CEO and CTO level in leading companies, engineers, scientists, and professionals from throughout the advanced materials and processes industry and universities. The conference day starts at 9 AM and ends with a networking dinner in the Pullman with outside a magnificent view on the Eiffel Tower. It is an outstanding occasion for networking with interesting colleagues and meeting new contacts.

Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.

Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market.

Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.

Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by ASTM, these standards improve the lives of millions every day. Twelve ASTM committess will meet in Houston, Texas, in January 2025.

Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.

Next-gen carbon fiber materials will be tested under extreme conditions for 12-18 months to determine their viability in space for use in future space bases, interplanetary travel.

Bio-inspired Australian-made craft featuring hemp-reinforced fuselage panels and sustainable fuel capabilities is positioned to meet disaster relief, e-commerce and military needs.

Virtek Vision demonstrates its Iris AI technology at CAMX 2024. It combines laser projection with machine learning software to detect foreign object debris during a composite layup.

CompoTech, Kongsberg PCS collaboration integrates foam-cored design, automated placement of pitch and PAN fibers to achieve award-winning increase in speed and precision.

In these sessions, experts will discuss the emerging hydrogen economy and the opportunities for composites in this lucrative space.

JEC World gathers the whole value chain of the composite materials industry in Paris (France) every year and is “the place to be” for composites professionals from all over the world. The event brings together not only all major global companies, but also innovative startups in the field of composites and advanced materials, experts, academics, scientists, and R&D leaders. JEC World is also the “festival of composites”, offering a unique showcase of what composites can offer to various application sectors, from aerospace to marine, from construction to automotive, and an unlimited source of inspiration for participants from these industries.

The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.

CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.

This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.

Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.

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Flight of first production aircraft fresh off Beta’s full-scale manufacturing line in Vermont is followed by Special Airworthiness certification from the FAA.

Automated Fiber Placement facilitates the manufacture of large primary and secondary structures while providing increased accuracy and repeatability over traditional hand layup.

Robot-mounted AFP systems allow for highly-contoured parts to be manufactured by increasing the machine reach compared to gantry systems and can be combined with horizontal or vertical rotators to further increase producibility. When combined with the fact that robotic systems can be cheaper than large gantry systems, it is easy to see how their popularity would rise over time.

CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

Quality inspection in composites is evolving from manual methods to automated systems, enhancing efficiency, reliability and defect detection with advanced statistical analysis.

CGTech works with many automated composites manufacturing (ACM) processes, including: ATL, AFP, Ultrasonic Knife Cutting, Laser Inspection, Machine Probing, Dry Fiber Stitching and more.

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RNG/CNG fuel system installations with Type 4 CFRP pressure vessels, powered by Cummins’ 15-liter natural gas tank, adds 230,000 heavy-duty trucks to the addressable RNG/CNG market annually.

This past October was plagued with a series of unfortunate natural disasters that, amidst ongoing travel for CW, has provided a poignant reminder of composites’ importance in facing future events.

This webinar will dive into how advanced AI neural network technology can streamline your composite inspection process, offering unparalleled speed, accuracy, real-time inspection and monitoring. Learn how automating inspections can help manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce errors and ensure consistent high-quality production. See the technology in action and explore how integrating AI can overcome your inspection challenges and elevate your operations. Agenda: AI neural network overview Flexible AI camera integration with IRIS 3D platform Precision detection capabilities Real-time monitoring and alerts Process digitization and tracking Why automate? - benefits of automating the inspection process Next steps: how to get started

VX4 eVTOL aircraft prototype begins untethered, piloted, thrust-borne testing following expansion of permit to fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Discover how Multi-Ply, a leading composite parts manufacturer, revolutionized composite production planning with Plataine’s AI-powered solution. This webinar will detail how an AI scheduling solution, designed for composite manufacturing, minimizes delays, optimizes resource allocation and drives higher throughput. Hear directly from Multi-Ply’s team on their journey to digitize planning and create accurate, large-scale production plans in minutes. Learn how automated scheduling allowed them to overcome the unique challenges of composite manufacturing, improving production accuracy, managing bottlenecks and optimizing factory resources. Gain actionable insights to automate your composite production planning, increase plan accuracy, respond quickly to production issues and leverage simulations supporting strategic decisions and growth in composites.

Americarb serves ultra-high temperature carbon fiber, graphite and carbon-carbon product needs with products like CFC modular composite grids used as fixtures and racking systems.

The Detroit Auto Show, formerly known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is located squarely at the intersection of technology and mobility. It’s a global event filled with tangible advances ready to hit the pavement today. Here, the software is as revolutionary as anything out there, and the hardware always looks better with a good polish. You won’t find any devices that will fit in your pocket, but you will discover machines that will move you in the most literal sense. You’ll also connect with thought leaders from around the world, both in and outside the automotive industry, whose collective visions for the future of mobility will shape the way we move for years to come.

Bureau Veritas and industry partners issue guidelines and pave the way for certification via StrengthBond Offshore project.

How does a cutting-edge measurement technology evolve into a solution that drives real-time insights and transforms quality control and efficiency in composites manufacturing for aerospace applications? In this exclusive interview-style webinar, sensXPERT managing director Dr. Alexander Chaloupka will sit down with Jorge Blanco Fernandez, R&T engineer at Ensia (the Spanish entity of Testia, an Airbus Company), to uncover the story of how dielectric analysis (DEA), once a lab-based measurement tool, was transformed into a comprehensive solution for process control in the production of composite aerospace parts. Discover how Testia is constantly seeking new technologies to improve manufacturing processes and chooses dielectric measurement for its potential — only to encounter the challenges of complex data analysis. Learn how sensXPERT took this challenge head-on, turning dielectric technology into a scalable solution with automated data analysis, real-time process adjustments and in-mold material behavior insights that directly connect to quality standards. Agenda:  Discovering dielectric measurement technology Complying with industry regulations The transformation to a full solution The sensXPERT process control solution Benefits and impact on aviation manufacturing

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Reliable news and information on where and how fiber-reinforced composites are being applied — that’s just the start of what you get from our team here at CompositesWorld.

Together with Purdue, AnalySwift aims to develop a composite heater layer and a novel software tool or module to achieve assembly, disassembly of thermoplastic composite joints in space during long-duration missions.

In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.

Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.

Automated Tape Laying (ATL) is the precursor to Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and, in many ways, is similar to AFP. For example, both processes achieve high levels of material deposition on a form and feature increased levels of reliability, repeatability and capability when compared to hand placement of material. The types of material used in both AFP and ATL are similar, usually both are pre-impregnated unidirectional carbon fiber. However, key differences between the two processes help explain why one method is more suitable than the other for specific applications.

The composites industry plays a crucial role in developing lightweight and durable materials for a range of applications, including those critical to national defense. One key focus area is the development of advanced structural materials and manufacturing technologies that support next-generation space, missile and aircraft systems for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). ARC Technologies LLC (ARC), a division of Hexcel Corporation, based in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is a provider of advanced composites structures, specialty materials and other unique products that provide the U.S. Department of Defense with advanced capabilities to protect service members while in harm’s way. This team’s specialty is to understand a specific need from a program office, PEO, platform manufacturer or other offices within the DOD. With that understanding, the team can design a solution, develop a prototype for test and evaluation, perform extensive in-house testing — including electromagnetic, environmental and structural testing — and then partner with the customer through platform evaluation. The Hexcel Amesbury division has a team of engineers on staff, including mechanical, chemical, electrical and research and development specialists that can provide design, testing and manufacturing capabilities to service customer requirements from concept through production. This presentation will illustrate capabilities in advanced composites and other specialty materials structures, focusing on the Hexcel Amesbury team's niche in electromagnetic signature reduction and other unique capabilities.

Fully automated, all-in-one 3D printing platform handles high-rate industrial-sized composite parts printing and postprocessing in a compact, accessible design.

Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Solico Engineering introduces the module to complete its Amphora calculation tool, made for the design of fiber-reinforced silos and tanks.

Sunreef 43M Eco electric catamaran, with a composite surface of 1,700 square meters, is considered to have the world’s largest infused hull.

Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.

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San Diego-based 2024 Top Shops qualifier Rock West Composites gives an overview of its relentless commitment to improvement, including its composite capabilities and its role as a trusted player in the space market.

CW Tech Days are virtual events dedicated to the topics impacting the composites industry today. Access past event recordings and register for upcoming Tech Days.

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During this CW Tech Days event, sponsored by Composites One, experts will offer presentations to review and evaluate the composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

Sicomin has partnered with Skaw Sailing and Shoreteam to deliver a foiling yacht design for cruising that embodies durability and performance with a low environmental impact.

While AFP has historically been used to produce large, mostly flat structures, in recent years, hardware capability has advanced to support the production of smaller, more complex forms. This has been achieved primarily through the increased use of robots.

Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.

Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) has been in use for several decades. Growing out of ATL process refinements, AFP focuses on the placement of one or more strips of material called “tows” onto a form.

CDCQ, LxSim, Addcomp and Argon 18 collaborate to optimize a carbon fiber/PA6 bike seat post, democratizing AFP and demonstrating materials and process for future designs and production.

CompositesWorld’s Tech Days: Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures is designed to provide a multi-perspective view of the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

While the process lends itself well to automation, due to the relative lack of complexity compared with AFP and ATL, and the fact that it’s a form of automated composites manufacturing currently in use, it will not be the focus of this Knowledge Center due to the mentioned relative straightforwardness of the process and somewhat limited space for innovation in future manufacturing.

A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.

As the aircraft interiors industry increasingly moves towards circular and sustainable solutions, it's crucial for the supply chain to adopt these innovations to stay competitive. Advanced thermoplastic composites present significant advantages, including faster production, improved recyclability and reduced weight. Join Toray for this insightful webinar where they will dive into the latest developments in thermoplastic composites and their applications in aircraft interiors. Toray will explore how these materials enable the efficient manufacture of parts while improving overall sustainability and meeting the stringent FST standards of the aviation sector. Whether you're a design engineer, materials specialist or industry professional, this session will provide valuable insights into how thermoplastic composites can drive innovation and competitiveness in aircraft interiors.

While traditional hand layup methods can deposit a few pounds of material per hour, AFP can deposit over 100 pounds (45+ kg) per hour at a rate of over 3,000 inches per minute (+75 meters per minute), depending on part geometry. This increased capability, alongside the increase in reliability brought about by automation, helps explain the widespread use of AFP among large aerostructure manufacturing firms. AFP facilitates the production of many primary and secondary aerostructures including fuselages, wing spars, wing skins, intake ducts nacelles, and more.

ICERP India is an important event of the Indian composites industry organized by FRP Institute. The focus of the 2025 show will be up-gradation of composites technology in India to reach global level in terms of product quality, finishing and also to address the challenges that have to be met to achieve global standards.