Kennametal will cover the influence of different composite materials characteristics on drilling performance and how to optimize the process. Agenda:  Who is Kennametal? Hole making challenges in composite materials Innovations for hole making applications Upcoming events and academic partnerships

The foam-filled bag is then drawn into the integrated mold cavity. As the liquid foam expands, the system encloses the bag within the mold by means of an automated door lid. Once the foam cures and conforms to the mold image, the Instapak iMold system opens the mold door and ejects the finished foam cushion into a bin.

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

Multiple cushion designs can be produced with the Instapak iMold® system and operators can easily change from one cushion to another in a matter of seconds with the system's RFID mold sensing technology, which quickly recognizes a new mold and begins the proper dispensing process.

Aerospace manufacturer joins forces with composite materials company to achieve sustainable manufacturing practices that overcome traditional composite layup tooling.

Additionally, stitch-bonded non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) provide manufacturers and asset owners even more ways to gain a competitive advantage with products built specifically for the environments and loading conditions in which they will be utilized. Join Vectorply Corporation and Creative Composites Group (CCG) for this in-depth webinar detailing the process of engineering NCFs to build composite parts that will stand the test of time. Unlike steel, concrete and wood, composite NCFs can be optimized utilizing various fiber types, architectures and substrates to achieve the specific goals of their application efficiently. High corrosion resistance, strength and stiffness, and longevity can all be accomplished with custom-designed laminates for these heavily abused applications. Vectorply Vice President of Engineering Trevor Gundberg and Creative Composites Group Chief Sales Officer Dustin Troutman will share their industry-leading expertise on the process of laminate design and part production. Attendees can expect to learn when to use composite NCFs in their production process and the wide range of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites that Creative Composites Group produces for the industrial and infrastructure markets. Whether you want to learn more about utilizing NCFs in your production process or why CCG’s extensive product line may be the choice for your project, this webinar is the place learn the process and how to take the next steps. Agenda:  Distinct advantages of non-crimp fabrics versus alternative materials How to design laminates for specific processes such as pultrusion and infusion Real-world success spotlights of NCFs in industrial 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.

Sustainable and intelligent solutions company Demgy Group (Saint-Aubin-sur-Gaillon, France) announces the acquisition of E.I.S. Aircraft GmbH (Euskirchen), a German company specializing in the production of thermoplastic and composite components for the aerospace industry. The purchase will enable Demgy to consolidate its activities in Germany and strengthen its European leadership, promoting its processing of high value-added plastics, high-performance polymers and composites for the aeronautics sector. The company is combined under the Demgy E.I.S. GmbH name.

This session is designed to demonstrate the benefits of ultra polymers for aerospace applications with real case examples of Syensqo's polymer portfolio. Agenda:  Introduction to ultra polymers (PAEK, PEKK, PEEK, PAI) key features Application of ultra polymers in aerospace: concrete examples Benefits of ultra polymers: enhanced performance, durability and cost-efficiency

“This acquisition is a real opportunity for E.I.S. Aicraft to create technological and commercial synergies with Demgy Group,” Dr. Marcus Bernards, director of Demgy E.I.S., says. “Our aim is to make Demgy EIS an even stronger company, and to offer our customers an even more comprehensive range of products and services.”

Sealed Air Instapak iMold systemMany companies are searching for a protective packaging solution that is both cost-effective and sustainable. Wisconsin-based Parts Now found this balance of environmental responsibility and product protection when it worked with its packaging supplier, Sealed Air, to examine its packaging operations and test a new automated system.

Herone, Spiral RTC, Teijin Carbon Europe and Collins Aerospace Almere recycle A350 thermoplastic composite clips/cleats waste into rods for the all-thermoplastic composite Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s crown.

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.

"We conducted testing internally, as well as by sending items from our Wisconsin facility to our California facility," said Olson. "Once the items arrived safely in California, they were repacked with the same molded cushions and shipped back. When the items made the round trip safely, we realized that there was a great opportunity to reuse these molded cushions multiple times."

The ITHEC 2024 will take place from the 9 to 10 October 2024 in Bremen, Germany. At the 7th International Conference, more than 300 participants from around the world will be presenting and discussing newest scientific results, meet leading international specialists, share their expertise and start business co-operations in the field of thermoplastic composite technologies. The international exhibition will feature 40+ exhibitors showcasing all steps of the supply-chain. Be it materials, machines, testing, processes, or solutions. By combining the exhibition and the conference ITHEC is further fostering the inter-connectivity between science and industry.

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

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

Six U.S. companies have proven their recycling technologies for composites and rare earth elements, and will be supported for relevant scale demonstration and validation.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certifies use of jointly developed CFRP repair technique on FPSO and FSO industrial systems, addressing traditional steel restoration challenges.

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

Celebrating National Composites Week 2024, CW looks at how composites are being used to provide the next generation of energy.

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.

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.

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.

E.I.S. Aircraft is a long-standing industrial player specializing in cabin interiors, with the production of custom and standard components. It has industrial know-how in composites and plastic injection molding, crucial for Tier 1 suppliers and a large number of OEMs. E.I.S. Aircraft holds numerous patents for products designed and manufactured in its own factories and is unique in that it manufactures its own tools and molds and assembles its own products.

Low-melt polyaryletherketone (LMPAEK) unidirectional tapes provide outstanding thermal and fire protection, demonstrating their effectiveness through rigorous testing. These tapes are fire, smoke and toxicity compliant with FAR25.853 and meet OSU Heat Release Rate standards. The tapes were tested under ISO 2685/AC 20-135 Change 1, meeting the fireproof criteria. Additionally, they met UL 2596 requirements for battery thermal runaway tests. These tapes are crucial for high-temperature applications showcasing their resilience and safety in both aerospace and automotive applications. Part of a broader range that includes films and compounds, Victrex LMPAEK materials are valued for their excellent processability and weldability. They offer versatile solutions for complex needs beyond traditional structural parts, such as: thermal runaway and lightning strike protection, heat sinking, and intricate bracketry. Victrex LMPAEK materials facilitate automation and high-rate production while addressing performance and sustainability challenges. With reduced environmental impact, lower weight and cost-efficiency, they meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry and support innovative design solutions. Agenda:  Introduction to LMPAEK ecosystem, highlighting unidirectional tapes Thermal and fire protection performance: applications and benefits Material forms and processability Sustainability and efficiency Conclusion and future innovations

"We certainly saw a measurable return on investment by switching to the molded cushions," said Olson. "In practical terms, we save $500 per day by reusing and recycling our packaging materials. This is the number that we came up with when we went from a void-fill packaging mechanism using virgin materials in our shipping department to reusing our molded packaging as void fill." Parts Now estimates that the average weight cost reduction per pack was about 70 cents, and it saw a 26 percent decrease in the material usage. Parts Now now packs 850 to 900 fusers a day with six to eight people working the line. "Our workers were positive about the change because the systems are fast and easy to use," said Olson.

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.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

Demgy Group anticipates that its sales will exceed €100 million by 2023. Moreover, the company says it will now be able to deploy innovative solutions on a larger scale to lighten structures and offer components created from bioplastics or flax composites (e.g., Flaxcomp). Demgy Group will also enable its current customers and those of E.I.S. Aircraft to benefit from numerous intersite synergies, notably with Demgy Normandie, Demgy Atlantique, Demgy Romania and Demgy Chicago entities.

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

The combined company is renamed under Demgy E.I.S. GmbH, and targets the manufacture of plastics, high-performance polymers and composites for the aerospace industry.

Over the last 8 months, Archer Aviation has completed a total of 402 test flights with its composites-intensive aircraft, adding to key milestones.

When Parts Now began shipping printers and printer parts more than two decades ago, the majority were packaged with a crinkled paper product. Later, Parts Now started using molded flat pads and Instapak foam-in-bag packaging for fusers. The company initially used two bags of Instapak® foam to surround the fuser. This provided adequate protection for each fuser, but as business grew, the need for a more efficient process became apparent. Sometimes the finished product would sit in queue for two to three days before packers would get a chance to work through the backlog of finished fusers waiting for packaging.

EU project will develop bio-based, repairable and recyclable vitrimer composites and advanced sensors for highly reliable, sustainable wind blades.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

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.

"Sealed Air approached us about a new automated Instapak® molding system that was being beta-tested with existing Sealed Air customers," explained Olson. "Due to our close relationship with Sealed Air, we agreed to be part of the initial testing group for what came to be known as the Instapak iMold system."

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

An on-demand mapping tool for anisotropic materials and polymer material fracture prediction model, i-Lupe, aims to help predict impact, crash behaviors.

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

Parts Now also found it could reuse the molded Instapak® end caps two to three times before needing to be replaced. "When returns arrive that are packaged with the molded end-caps, the boxes are simply opened and the customer's defective core is removed to be remanufactured.

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

Once the Instapak molded cushions are produced by the Instapak iMold® system at the Parts Now facility, they are batched and brought to a packaging line and placed in overhead delivery bins where packers can quickly and easily access the right size cushion for each laser printer part on the line. The use of molded end-caps speeds up the packaging process considerably and allows Parts Now employees to keep up with daily packaging demands.

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

Now, instead of using two bags of foam for most of its cartridges, Parts Now uses molded end-cap cushions, which require less foam material, retain a refined aesthetic appearance, and can be reused multiple times by Parts Now and its customers. The smaller and mid-size fusers only require two end-cap cushions, which are placed on each end of the fuser, providing the necessary protection and adding stability and support to the pack. For the larger and heavier fuser models, Parts Now uses three-part molded foam cushions to completely encapsulate the product and protect it from shipping damage.

The Instapak iMold system tested at the Parts Now facility was designed to create custom-engineered foam cushions by combining two liquid components to create polyurethane packaging foam. The process begins when the system dispenses the liquid foam using patented Foam Dispersion technology, which can strategically place the foam anywhere within the bag.

A combination of Airtech’s 3D printing materials and Ascent’s production capabilities aim to support increased use of composite additive tooling in spaces like defense and aerospace.

An overview of ASTM Standard Guide D8509, and its coupon-level mechanical testing of design properties for analyzing composite bolted joints.

The JEC Forum DACH is a business meetings event organised by JEC The JEC Forum DACH is organised on October 22 and 23, 2024 by JEC, in partnership with the AVK, gathering the composite materials community from the DACH Region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).

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

Validation of 80-100% tensile strength and comparability to injection molding via Voxelfill extrusion process was achieved through plastic and fiber-filled test series.

Before incorporating the molding systems into its operations, Parts Now and Sealed Air conducted testing that lasted for nearly three years. In the summer of 2008, Parts Now installed its first Instapak iMold® system at its Middleton, Wis. facility. During this time, Sealed Air made alterations to the design and functionality of the machine. Additionally, Sealed Air conducted ISTA 1A testing in its certified Package Design & Development Center (PDDC) in order to validate the new package designs.

"If end caps are crumpled, damaged or no longer suitable for reuse, we take them to the shipping department and they are used for void fill," said Olson. "I'd estimate that about 90 percent of the molded cushions we ship come back to our facility."

CompositesWorld is the source for reliable news and information on what’s happening in fiber-reinforced composites manufacturing. About Us

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

CompPair and Composite Recycling introduce a roof scoop made of recycled fibers to an eco-efficient rally buggy, which channels airflow to the engine for optimal, sustainable performance.

The composites-intensive VTOL platform is next expected to undergo a series of test flights in various conditions to validate its performance, safety and reliability, leading up to eventual certification.

Base Materials introduces a high-performance, toughened epoxy tooling board designed for thermoforming and vacuum forming processes, direct-to-part applications and more.

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.

The first project is underway to recover carbon fiber used in an A330-200 aircraft, which will then be regenerated for other end uses by HRC.

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

Sealed Air and Parts Now began their relationship in 1996 and have since worked to ensure that Parts Now packages products in a way that reduces damage and overall cost, while minimizing the amount of packaging materials necessary. Due to the longstanding relationship between the companies, Sealed Air approached Matt Olson, Parts Now industrial engineer, and Bob Banke, Parts Now vice president of operations, about testing a new system in their facility.

Whether you’re exploring new applications or seeking to gain a foothold in emerging markets, Carbon Fiber 2024 is where you’ll discover the insights and connections needed to shape your business strategy. Register now.

Whether you’re exploring new applications or seeking to gain a foothold in emerging markets, Carbon Fiber 2024 is where you’ll discover the insights and connections needed to shape your business strategy. Register now.

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite targets full circularity in aircraft interior applications, with FST, impact resistance and toughness features.

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

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

Parts Now plans to continue to update and examine its packaging and shipping methods with the goal of always improving its current process. "We are comfortable in knowing that as business increases, there is plenty of built-in capacity with our Sealed Air solutions," said Olson.

Advanced Engineering is the UK’s largest annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals. The event will help you to source new suppliers, network, build connections and learn about the latest industry developments all in one place. Get involved and exhibit alongside 400+ exhibitors offering solutions and products across all industries and sectors to help improve your productivity and inspire creativity. With over 9,000+ of your peers due to attend and ready to network with and inspire you, this is the event you can’t afford to miss!

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

If those end caps are in good shape, they go into specified bins where they will be reused to package other refurbished components," said Olson.

With the acquisition, Demgy Group will have two additional production sites in Lemgo and Euskirchen, for a total of 10 plants and a total workforce of 800 people. The former is where the company will design and manufactures injection molded products from thermoplastic components dedicated to the aeronautics sector including equipment for aircraft cabins, armrests, shelves, air ducts, etc. The Euskirchen site specializes in composite materials, from development to assembly and finishing.

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

New aircraft is expected to deliver wind turbine blades from 105 meters up to expand the reach of wind energy and achieve global climate goals.

By reusing these end caps, Parts Now reduces packaging costs and the amount of packaging materials that were once sent to landfills.

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

During this webinar, the audience will be introduced to a variety of fiber composite technologies — as well as the machines and equipment — from short fibers to continuous fibers, from thermoset to thermoplastic, as well as the according process technology, including a special focus on long-fiber injection (LFI) and structural composite spray (SCS). Focus markets include automotive, aviation and AAM, transportation, and construction. This webinar will provide a detailed overview of according application examples. Agenda: Long fiber injection (LFI) Structural composite spray (SCS) Resin transfer molding (RTM), wet compression molding, etc. Pultrusion FiberForm

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

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

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.

Program will focus on sustainable, next-gen wing solutions, including in wing design and manufacturing and advancements in carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials.

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

This sidebar to CW’s August 2024 feature article reviews this technology for more efficient composites manufacturing and why it aligns with Koridion active core molding.

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.

"We found that while the Instapak foam-in-bag cushions performed well, the packaging was only used once because it was very difficult for customers to re-pack their cores for a return shipment," said Olson. "This added cost to the refurbishment processes since cores that were improperly packed had a higher probability of arriving at our facility damaged and requiring additional repair."

CompositesWorld's Carbon Fiber conference offers you cutting-edge information and access to industry experts in streamlining manufacturing costs, market outlooks and forecasting, and more. You will make invaluable contacts as you meet and network with the industry's most innovative and influential leaders at Carbon Fiber. __PRESENT

Analyzing structural resonance of the aircraft under various loads becomes a critical step in obtaining flight certification.

By adopting an automated molded cushion process, Parts Now realized they could offer customers consistent and reusable cushions to help streamline the repacking and returns process. Because Parts Now required multiple unique cushion designs for the diverse shapes and sizes of the printer parts, an automated system that could easily interchange various molds was important as well. For these reasons, Parts Now was an ideal operation to test the new Instapak iMold system.

Following the successful testing of the new molded cushions, Parts Now began transitioning to molded-foam end-cap cushions at the start of 2009. When asked about the adjustments that had to be made to accommodate the new systems, Olson said, "The molding systems required very few changes to our facility and were easily integrated, thanks in part to Sealed Air's dedicated sales and account representatives."

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

As Parts Now continues to expand and grow, the company knows that its packaging process must evolve and grow with it in order to successfully meet its customers' expectations. This includes using packaging solutions that are both cost effective and sustainable.

The Marservis PROeco is a mass transportation marine vessel using Bcomp natural fiber for interior parts in place of standard materials.

Established in 1989, Parts Now is considered the industry leader in profitable solutions for companies that service business printers. As the number one supplier of laser printer parts in North America, Parts Now is a global company and the only authorized distributor for five OEMs - Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, Toshiba, Canon and OKIData. In addition to successfully growing its business, Parts Now earned the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award in pollution prevention for its dedication to sustainable practices.

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

“Demgy and E.I.S. Aircraft are two of Europe’s historic players in the production of plastic and composite components for the aerospace industry,” Pierre-Jean Leduc, chairman of Demgy Group, emphasizes. “Our two entities are aligned in terms of their values and the strategy of lightening aircraft to promote the decarbonization of the aeronautical sector.”

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.

Stephen Heinz, vice president of R&I for Syensqo delivered an inspirational keynote at SAMPE 2024, highlighting the significant role of composite materials in emerging technologies and encouraging broader collaboration within the manufacturing community.

Additionally, after switching to the Instapak® molded cushions, Parts Now has seen a reduction in damage during shipping, particularly with the heavier fuser models. "We have fewer cases of shipping damage," Olson said. "When we conducted our "Voice of the Customer" survey, the reaction was extremely positive. They appreciate the continuous improvements we make to ensure our products arrive to our customer in the same condition as when they leave our facility."