News for June 2010

News Archive

Vestas delivers 250 MW of wind turbines to Colorado

Vestas will deliver 139 of its V90-1.8 MW wind turbines to Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Americas Inc for the Cedar Point Wind farm in Lincoln and Elbert Counties, Colorado, USA.

Versatile mobile vacuum system Versatile mobile vacuum system

Vacmobiles.com Ltd has upgraded its Vacmobile 20/2 mobile vacuum system for 2010. The machine is used for composite manufacturing processes such as resin infusion and vacuum bagging.

Renewable energy a ‘bright spot’ for US economy

Renewable energy will continue to be the bright spot of the US economy in 2010 but could decline in coming years without public policy and finance to drive private capital investment, according analyst Datamonitor.

US agencies to encourage offshore renewable energy projects

The US departments of the Interior (DoI) and Energy (DoE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their working relationship on the future development of commercial renewable offshore energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

BASF enters long fibre polyamide market

BASF is launching its first long glass fibre reinforced polyamide grade, Ultramid® Structure LF.

Register now for COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010 and save up to 50%

Register online by 1 July and benefit from special discount prices.

Toho Tenax concludes carbon fibre supply contract with EADS

Toho Tenax announced today the conclusion of a long term framework agreement with EADS and its subsidiary Airbus regarding the direct supply of carbon fibre and carbon fibre-based materials for a range of Airbus aircraft.

Offshore wind developers need to standardise contracts

The offshore wind industry is urged to move towards standardised contracts to reduce risk and save project time, say energy consultancy Xodus Group and legal advisors Shepherd and Wedderburn.

ÉireComposites awarded €1.9 million in European Space Agency R&D projects

Irish company ÉireComposites has been awarded a total of €1.9 million in research and development contracts from the European Space Agency, aimed at producing lightweight composite technologies for future space launcher and satellite structures.

Toho Tenax Europe to supply carbon fibre for Bombardier CSeries aircraft Toho Tenax Europe to supply carbon fibre for Bombardier CSeries aircraft

Toho Tenax Europe GmbH has won a contract to supply carbon fibre material for major primary and secondary composite structures on Bombardier’s new CSeries aircraft programme. Toho Tenax expects the contract to be worth around €130 million over the next 10 years.

3A Composites launched 3A Composites launched

Following the introduction of its new name a few months ago, core materials supplier 3A Composites (previously known as Alcan Composites) has launched a new corporate identity and logo.

UK urges 30% EU emissions cut by 2020

In a recent speech, the UK Secretary of Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, called for the EU to adopt a 30% emissions reduction target by 2020.

COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010 demonstrates potential of reinforced plastics COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010 demonstrates potential of reinforced plastics

Every year COMPOSITES EUROPE showcases the dynamic development of the composites market and presents current trends. On 14-16 September the trade fair will open its gates for the fifth time in Essen, Germany.

Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

Forecasting and operational data streamed live from offshore wind farm Forecasting and operational data streamed live from offshore wind farm

E.ON's Climate & Renewables Operations Team will stream live wind data from its Robbin Rigg offshore wind farm using Natural Power’s ZephIR lidar.

Composite Technology Investors LLC acquires Vector Composites Inc

Composite Technology Investors LLC, Solana Beach, California, has completed the purchase of Vector Composites Inc (VCI), Dayton, Ohio, from DR Technologies Inc, San Diego, California. VCI provides composite structures development and fabrication services for aerospace applications.

Lewcott adds BMB Solutions Composites as sales representative in Canada

Prepreg and phenolic resin supplier Lewcott Corporation has named BMB Solutions Composites as a sales representative for Canada.

ESI opens R&D centre for composites simulation

To reinforce its composites activities, ESI has opened its new worldwide Research & Development Centre for the Simulation of Composites Design, Manufacturing and Performance in Bordeaux, France.

Vestas delivers 142 MW of wind turbines to Canada

Vestas will deliver 44 of its V100-1.8 MW and 35 of its V90-1.8 MW wind turbines to Capital Power Corporation for its proposed Quality Wind Project in British Columbia, Canada.

GRP pipes part of Venice’s environmental plan GRP pipes part of Venice’s environmental plan

HOBAS glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipe forms part of a water treatment project in Venice.

US consumers willing to pay more for renewable energy: survey

A survey reveals that two-thirds of Americans believe solar technology should play a greater role in meeting the country's energy needs, and three-quarters feel that increasing renewable energy and decreasing US dependence on foreign oil, are the country's top energy priorities.

Abu Dhabi chemicals plant employs composite pipe Abu Dhabi chemicals plant employs composite pipe

The 'Borouge 2' high density polyethylene (HDPE) plant in Abu Dhabi uses fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pipe to cool process water with seawater.

Gamesa wind turbines get GL certification

Gamesa’s G90 Class II wind turbine has been certified by GL Renewables Certification (GL).

Australia can have 100% renewable energy in a decade

A combination of energy efficiency, fuel-switching and a combination of commercially-available renewable energy technologies could allow 100% of Australia’s energy needs to be met with renewable sources, according to a new report.

Reichhold expands manufacturing capacity in Turkey

Reichhold has entered into a manufacturing partnership in Turkey with Ilkalem Ticaret ve Sanayi AS.

Re-useable silicone bags for vacuum moulding Re-useable silicone bags for vacuum moulding

Bentley Chemicals says that employing re-useable silicone bags for moulding composites under vacuum is faster, cheaper and 'greener' than the traditional composites moulding methods used for aerospace, automotive and marine components.

DONG builds 400 MW offshore wind farm in Denmark DONG builds 400 MW offshore wind farm in Denmark

DONG Energy has been awarded the concession to build the 400 MW Anholt offshore wind farm off the island of Anholt in the Kattegat, Denmark.

Componeering releases new version of ESAComp composite design software Componeering releases new version of ESAComp composite design software

Componeering Inc of Finland is introducing Version 4.1 of its ESAComp software for the analysis and design of composite structures.

APEC wants continued development of renewable energy

Renewable energy technologies are declining in cost but continued efforts are required to further reduce this, according to energy ministers from the 21-country Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Dow introduces composite products at Wind Power Asia

Dow Formulated Systems will introduce its latest composite products for the manufacture of wind turbine blades at the Wind Power Asia trade show in China this month.

42 m long wind turbine blades flown to Denmark

Two prototype wind turbine blades GloBlades measuring 42 m have been flown from China to LM Wind Power’s facilities in Lunderskov, Denmark.

European 10-year R&D plan for wind power

The Spanish EU Presidency has launched the 10-year, €6 billion, ‘European Wind Initiative (EWI) – a research and development roadmap for the wind energy sector.

Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

Janicki's prototype expertise tapped for F-35 programme Janicki's prototype expertise tapped for F-35 programme

Janicki Industries has helped Lockheed Martin produce the Full Scale Pole Model for its F-35 stealth fighter jet programme. The model is now being used to test radar signature and other performance data.

JETCAM and 123insight partner with Synergy Composites to create showcase facility

Software developers JETCAM International and 123 Insight Ltd have announced a partnership with composite manufacturer Synergy Composites to create an ‘Open Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.’

Boeing 787 completes first flight with GE engines Boeing 787 completes first flight with GE engines

The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner with General Electric (GE) engines has completed its first flight.

REACH toolkit for polymer industry

A European consortium is working to produce a ‘REACH Toolkit’ to help the European polymer industry in its implementation of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances) legislation.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner passes 1000 hours of flying Boeing 787 Dreamliner passes 1000 hours of flying

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight test fleet has passed 1000 hours of testing. The project team estimates that it is about 40% through the test conditions required to certify the first version of the aircraft.

DoE: US$76m for energy efficiency in buildings

The US Department of Energy (DoE) will award a total of over US$76 million to support energy efficiency in building technology projects and the development of training programs for commercial building equipment technicians, building operators, and energy auditors.

Twaron production increased

Following a recovery in demand, Teijin Aramid is planning to restart the last spinning line for aramid fibres at its plant in Emmen, the Netherlands, taking it back to full capacity by the end of the year.

EPA supports green buildings and communities

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a technical assistance program to design more sustainable, green and energy efficient communities.

COMPOSITES EUROPE moves to Düsseldorf in 2012 COMPOSITES EUROPE moves to Düsseldorf in 2012

In 2012 COMPOSITES EUROPE will move from Essen to the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, following the ALUMINIUM trade fair's relocation to this venue.

NLR and TU Delft improve composite damage tolerance NLR and TU Delft improve composite damage tolerance

The National Aerospace Laboratory NLR and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands have developed a new fibre architecture with improved damage tolerance for use with a fibre placement machine.

Glass fibre reinforced PEEK

Ensinger’s Penn Fibre Division has added a glass fibre reinforced PEEK composite with improved high temperature properties to its line of thin gauge sheet materials.

Indian wind farm qualifies for incentives

Indian Energy says the first 4.5 MW of its 16.5 MW wind farm at Theni has been registered under the Generation Based Incentive (GBI) scheme in India.

GRPMS announces sole supplier agreement with Chomarat

GRPMS will distribute reinforcements supplier Chomarat's product range in the UK, Eire and Scandinavia.

Ireland can accommodate 40% renewable electricity

The power system in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland can accommodate the ambitious 40% target for renewable energy by 2020, according to Ecofys.

Quickstep establishes US subsidiary

Australian advanced materials company Quickstep Holdings Ltd has established a new subsidiary company in Dayton, Ohio, to target aerospace and defence contracts in the USA.

Airtech introduces Securlon L-750 multi-layer bagging film Airtech introduces Securlon L-750 multi-layer bagging film

Airtech Advanced Materials' new Securlon® multi-layer bagging film is available in widths up to 7.1 m.

Vestas opens office in South Africa – wind for football world cup Vestas opens office in South Africa – wind for football world cup

Wind turbine producer Vestas has established a permanent office in Johannesburg, South Africa to serve the emerging southern African wind energy market and to support the future development of wind energy in the region.

Chinese translation service for composites industry

Red Composites is offering a translation service from English into Chinese language, specifically for the advanced composites industry.

Veracity unveils test method for helicopter rotor blades

Veracity Technology Solutions has completed a proof of concept demonstration with the US Army for a non-destructive inspection (NDI) process used for testing helicopter rotor blades.

NREL and university partner on offshore wind research

The US Department of Energy (DoE)'s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the University of Delaware will work towards a test site for commercial offshore wind turbines.

DeepCwind website launched

The University of Maine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center has launched a website to provide information on the DeepCwind deepwater offshore wind turbine project.

Production methods for high quality natural fibres

A European project aims to develop a process for the high volume production of high quality natural fibres for use in composites.

Carbo Tech to produce carbon fibre monocoques for McLaren sports cars Carbo Tech to produce carbon fibre monocoques for McLaren sports cars

Carbo Tech has received a 150 million euro order from McLaren Automotive to produce the carbon fibre monocoques for McLaren's new range of sports cars.

DIAB launches Composites Consulting Group

Core materials supplier DIAB is launching the Composites Consulting Group (CCG), an independent consulting company focusing on engineering and manufacturing services for composite materials.

New Project Manager for COMPOSITES EUROPE

Gabriele Schwager has been appointed Project Manager of the COMPOSITES EUROPE trade show.

EWEA predicts 10 GW of wind to be installed in Europe during 2010

The Brussels-based organisation estimates that this would take total installed capacity to almost 85 GW by the end of they year - an increase of 13%.

Creative Composites to manufacture components for Multihog utility vehicle Creative Composites to manufacture components for Multihog utility vehicle

Creative Composites has won a contract to design and manufacture composite components for a new multi-purpose utility vehicle developed by Multihog Ltd.

Airtech introduces high temperature tooling resin Airtech introduces high temperature tooling resin

Airtech Advanced Materials is introducing Toolfusion® 3, a two part, low viscosity epoxy infusion resin for use in producing prepreg quality, composite moulds.

Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

ACG exhibits composites technology at Automotive Interiors Expo

Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) will be exhibiting its automotive composites technology at the Automotive Interiors Expo later this month.

ACG sells South African subsidiary

Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) has announced the sale of its South African based subsidiary, Advanced Composites Group SA (Pty) Ltd (ACGSA), to AAT Composites (Pty) Ltd.

Ashland resin used to construct World Expo Theme Pavilion roof Ashland resin used to construct World Expo Theme Pavilion roof

An FRP roof created using resin from Ashland Performance Materials now covers the Theme Pavilion constructed for the Shanghai World Expo currently underway in China.

Siemens to supply 80 turbines for ENBW Baltic Sea contract Siemens to supply 80 turbines for ENBW Baltic Sea contract

Siemens will supply German utility Erneuerbare Energien GmbH (ENBW) 288MW of turbines for the EnBW Baltic 2 offshore wind farm.

Goodrich acquires Crompton Technology Group

Aerospace systems supplier Goodrich Corporation has acquired UK based Crompton Technology Group Ltd (CTG), a manufacturer of carbon fibre composite products for the aerospace, defence and various other markets.

PreCarBi projects results in new aerospace composite materials

The EC funded PreCarBi project on the simulation of liquid resin infusion of new composite materials has resulted in the development of bindered composite materials and associated simulation tools dedicated to aerospace applications.

Wind energy industry foresees 250,000 new jobs in Europe by 2020

The belief that the European wind energy industry can make a serious contribution to green growth was backed by politicians of the left and right and trade unionists at a high-level meeting held in Brussels.

Scottish small wind research advocates larger turbine blades

The University of Glasgow in the UK and Gaia-Wind Ltd have released the results of research showing that larger blades are more efficient at generating electricity in lower wind speeds.

Scottish small wind research advocates larger turbine blades

The University of Glasgow and Gaia-Wind Ltd have released the results of research showing that larger blades are more efficient at generating electricity in lower wind speeds.

Rhodia develops high performance polyamide composite Rhodia develops high performance polyamide composite

Rhodia has developed a high performance polyamide composite suitable for manufacturing structural parts for the transportation and construction sectors.

ACG’s VTM260 prepregs receive Lloyd’s recertification ACG’s VTM260 prepregs receive Lloyd’s recertification

Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) has achieved recertification of its VTM®260 Series prepregs from Lloyd’s Register.

US governments form consortium for offshore wind energy

The federal government has signed an agreement with ten states to establish an offshore wind energy consortium for the Atlantic Ocean.

US remains most attractive country for renewables

The United States remains the most attractive country in the world for renewable energy, although it now ties the top spot with China.

Hexcel more optimistic about 2010

Advanced composites company Hexcel Corporation has updated its outlook for the remainder of 2010 and says it expects total company revenues to grow at a double digit rate through 2013.

Renewable energy could support 8.5 million jobs by 2030

Stronger government support for green power could boost employment in the sector, according to the latest forecast from Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).

California leads US in electricity from emerging renewable energy

Washington rated top state in hydroelectric output and for green power from all renewable energy, including hydroelectric.

Lockheed Martin subsidiary and Owens Corning to develop carbon-enhanced reinforcements Lockheed Martin subsidiary and Owens Corning to develop carbon-enhanced reinforcements

Applied NanoStructured Solutions LLC (ANS), a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp, and glass fibre reinforcements supplier Owens Corning have signed a joint development agreement to support the commercialisation of carbon-enhanced reinforcements.

Vestas looks into offshore wind turbine foundations and energy management

Vestas is about to launch two R&D projects: cost-effective deep water foundations for large offshore wind turbines and an intelligent energy management system introducing energy storage into a wind power plant.

Last week's top stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

LM Wind Power opens Texan wind blade service center

LM Wind Power Service & Logistics has opened its North American regional wind blade service center in Abilene, Texas.

Improved fire protection topcoat from Scott Bader Improved fire protection topcoat from Scott Bader

Scott Bader has upgraded its Crystic Fireguard 75PA topcoat to provide better fire retardant properties and handling.

US wind faces growth constraint in 2010 – study US wind faces growth constraint in 2010 – study

Following a record-breaking year of capacity additions in 2009 with 9.8 GW of wind projects installed, the US wind market finds itself confronting a growth-constrained 2010,according to IHS Emerging Energy Research.

Synergy Composites announces agreement with Trelleborg AEM

The deal provides Synergy with the right to manufacture Trelleborg Advanced Engineering Materials products for a long term period.

Onshore wind tops private equity renewable energy target – KPMG

Mainstream Renewable Power, has completed Private equity is getting ready for investment in renewable energy over the next year, according to a recent KPMG poll.

Canadian Composites Manufacturing Research and Development consortium launched

Boeing and Canadian industry partners have launched a new research and development consortium aimed at strengthening Canada's competitive position in the manufacturing of advanced composite materials for aerospace and other industries.

GE and Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation announce Great Lakes Offshore Wind Partnership

GE says it will provide direct-drive wind turbines for first offshore, freshwater wind farm in North America.

Arkema ready to market carbon nanotubes in USA

Arkema has received approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for commercial sales of its Graphistrength® multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the USA.

Nordex supplies 20 MW wind turbines to Northern Ireland Nordex supplies 20 MW wind turbines to Northern Ireland

Nordex will deliver 8 of its N80/2500 wind turbines to the Screggagh wind farm in Northern Ireland for DW Consultancy Ltd.

Texas Tech announces formation of National Institute for Renewable Energy

The Institute will take on the mission to develop U.S wind and other renewable energy resources.

Reichhold announces price increase on vinyl ester resins for Europe

Reichhold has announced a further price increase for all vinyl ester resins for the European composites industry.

New study to look at how power is affected by blade erosion

3M has partnered with Rope Partner to conduct an in-field study on the effects of leading edge wind turbine blade damage.

18 wind power JVs in China

China Windpower and Liaoning Energy will establish 18 new joint ventures (JVs) in Chaoyang, Liaoning Province, China, for the development of 900 MW of wind power projects.

GKN Aerospace selects VISTAGY software for CSeries winglet design GKN Aerospace selects VISTAGY software for CSeries winglet design

VISTAGY Inc has announced that GKN Aerospace has purchased its SyncroFIT® software for developing airframe assemblies, for use in conjunction with FiberSIM® composites engineering software in developing an optimised winglet for Bombardier’s CSeries aircraft programme.

Carbon fibre thermoplastic for aircraft interiors Carbon fibre thermoplastic for aircraft interiors

SABIC Innovative Plastics has developed a high-performance compound combining carbon fibre with Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) resin, which is designed to replace die-cast and machined aluminium in aircraft interior components.

Tods completes second bow sonar dome for US Navy Tods completes second bow sonar dome for US Navy

UK company Tods Defence Ltd has completed the design and manufacture of a second Bow Sonar Dome for the US Navy DDG Zumwalt Class ‘stealth’ ship programme.

Obituary: Jim Hedger Sr., founder of MVP

Composites equipment supplier Magnum Venus Plastech (MVP) has announced the death of its founder, Jim Hedger Sr., on 29 April 2010.

Turkish composites show held in June

KOMPOIST 2010, the trade show for the composites industry in Turkey, takes place on 10-13 June 2010 in Istanbul.

Financing and national policy obstacles for wind energy

The lack of financing is a major obstacles to growth of the wind energy industry in the USA, according to an industry opinion poll.

ACMA publishes 2009 Composites Industry Report

The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has published its 2009 Composites Industry Report, which provides the latest statistics on the US composites industry.

May's top stories May's top stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website during the month of May.