News for April 2011

This section contains the latest news from the composites industry around the world. A selection of this news is also published in Reinforced Plastics magazine and in the Reinforced Plastics Newsletter

If you have a story you'd like us to cover please e-mail the Editor at RP@elsevier.com


 

 

News Archive

Lockheed Martin extends Cytec JSF contract Lockheed Martin extends Cytec JSF contract

Cytec Industries Inc's Engineered Materials business has signed a contract extension with Lockheed Martin for the supply of structural composite and adhesive materials used in the manufacture of the F-35 Lightning II or Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

Premier Composite Technologies celebrates 5th anniversary Premier Composite Technologies celebrates 5th anniversary

Dubai based composite structures supplier Premier Composite Technologies (PCT) is celebrating five years in business.

Quickstep secures A$17.3 million funding

Quickstep Holdings Ltd of Australia has entered into a funding agreement for the issue of convertible notes to the value of US$15 million to US-based La Jolla Cove Investors Inc, along with a share placement to professional investors of A$3.3 million at A$0.32 per share.

AOC announces price increase for North America

AOC LLC has announced a 14 May price increase for all products sold in the USA and Canada.

JD Lincoln relocates JD Lincoln relocates

J.D. Lincoln Inc is relocating its Costa Mesa, California, prepreg and adhesives operations to a new facility in Huntington Beach, California.

New Project Manager for COMPOSITES EUROPE

Michael Köhler is taking over from Gabi Schwager as Project Manager of the COMPOSITES EUROPE trade show.

Energy Storage to Optimize Wind Energy

Viridity Energy, Thomas Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals will develop and implement a project to maximize wind power through energy storage.

Gamesa signs turbine deal with 3 Chinese companies Gamesa signs turbine deal with 3 Chinese companies

The agreement, which could result in contracts to supply 900 MW of turbines, is the first to be signed by Chinese and Spanish companies in the wind energy sector.

Momentive increases resin prices in North America

Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc has announced a price increase for its unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins sold in North America.

Last week's top stories Last week's top stories

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

Huntsman in FRP transport infrastructure project Huntsman in FRP transport infrastructure project

Huntsman Advanced Materials is part of Trans-IND, a European project focusing on industrialised manufacturing of transport infrastructures using fibre reinforced (FRP) based materials.

DeltaTRAK discusses temperature monitoring of prepreg materials

DeltaTRAK has published an Application Note entitled Wireless Traceability of Prepreg Product Temperature.

Quickstep in international nanotechnology project

Australian advanced materials company Quickstep Holdings Ltd is participating in a European research project investigating the use of nanotechnology in improving the properties of advanced composites used in the transportation industry.

New AOC resin makes smoother, lower cost tooling

MoldTru™ LPT-68000 low-profile tooling resin can reduce the cost and time required to make Class A surface composite tools by up to 70%, claims AOC.

E Tech Solutions offers bio-composite materials

E Tech Solutions (Europe) Ltd specialises in the distribution of bio-composite materials.

Greenes selects CNG tanks manufactured using 3B glass fibre Greenes selects CNG tanks manufactured using 3B glass fibre

Greenes Group is retrofitting vehicles with compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks manufactured using HiPer-tex™ high performance glass fibre from 3B.

Granta enhances composite testing and product design software Granta enhances composite testing and product design software

Granta Design has updated its GRANTA MI composite data management product and introduced new tools in its CES Selector software.

Vestas delivers 104 MW of wind turbines to Canada

Vestas is delivering a total of 104 MW of wind turbines to an undisclosed customers and wind farm project in Canada.

Reichhold announces further price increase for Europe

Reichhold has announced a May price increase for all products for the European composites industry.

Madrid sees installation of carbon composite pedestrian bridge Madrid sees installation of carbon composite pedestrian bridge

In a recent project, Spanish construction firm ACCIONA Infrastructure worked with Huntsman Advanced Materials to construct a 44 m long, 3.5 m wide carbon composite pedestrian bridge in Madrid.

Piranha nano-enhanced composite boat completes sea trials Piranha nano-enhanced composite boat completes sea trials

Zyvex Technologies says its Piranha 54' unmanned boat built using carbon nanotube strengthened prepreg has completed sea trials which demonstrate record fuel efficiency.

Offshore wind turbine cost to be cut by a third?

The cost of offshore wind turbines could be cut by a third through the use of new approaches, according to the UK Energy Technologies Institutes (ETI).

Momentive sells North American composites and coatings business to Investindustrial

Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc is to sell its North American composites and coating resins business to PCCR USA, a subsidiary of European investment group Investindustrial.

EU must up the ante to reach energy efficiency goals

The EU must spend €270 billion over the next 40 years to meet its 2050 energy objectives, including an increased focus on energy efficiency across the power chain.

FARR 400 yacht tests successful FARR 400 yacht tests successful

Premier Composite Technologies (PCT), builder of the new FARR 400 racing yacht, has confirmed the successful test sailing of the first hull.

Europe's Transport 2050 strategy to increase mobility and reduce emissions

The European Commission (EC)'s Transport 2050 strategy sets out plans for a competitive transport system that will reduce Europe's dependence on imported oil and cut carbon emissions in transport by 60% by 2050.

VN Composites manufactures satellite parts for Thales Alenia Space

VN Composites has manufactured composite parts for a Thales Alenia Space satellite using prepregs from Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG).

3A Composites teams up with Chinese PVC foam producer

3A Composites has signed an agreement with PVC foam producer Tiansheng New Materials to jointly market structural core materials in China, with a focus on the wind energy industry.

Barrday reorganises Barrday reorganises

Barrday Advanced Material Solutions is reorganising into three operating divisions focusing on protective products, composite materials, and renewable energy.

People People

New appointments at MFG, AOC and Beagle Aerospace, and winner of the 2011 Brandt Goldsworthy Pultruder of the Year Award announced.

GE supplies wind turbines to Polish wind farm

GE will supply three units of its 2.5 MW wind turbine to the Zensko wind farm in Krzecin, Choszczno County in north-western Poland.

Last week's top 3 stories Last week's top 3 stories

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

Owens Corning launches roving for fabrics and prepregs

Owens Corning has introduced SE1550, a new single-end Type 30® roving compatible with most thermoset resin systems and weaving processes.

Leatherman knife handles made from glass fibre thermoplastic Leatherman knife handles made from glass fibre thermoplastic

Leatherman Tool Group selected long glass fibre composite from RTP Company for the handle of its new line of folding knives.

IIT milling technology makes GRP recycling economic IIT milling technology makes GRP recycling economic

New energy efficient milling technology developed by International Innovative Technology (IIT) enables the economic conversion of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) waste into batch feedstock suitable for recycling.

ACMA creates Thermoset Molders Committee

The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has formed a new Thermoset Molders Committee to help grow this markets.

Guang Wei Composites – a prepreg partner in China Guang Wei Composites – a prepreg partner in China

Chinese company Guang Wei Composites is supplying GL approved prepregs to wind turbine blade producers and is developing products for the marine, public transportation and other markets.

AOC announces manufacturing agreement with BASF-Spain

AOC has entered into an agreement with BASF-Spain for the exclusive manufacturing of the AOC unsaturated polyester resin product line.

Wind turbines at landfill site in UK

The UK Waste Recycling Group (WRG) has received planning permission to erect two wind turbines at its closed Carnaby Landfill site, near Bridlington in East Yorkshire.

TMP introduces high temperature composite moulding line

TMP Inc has developed a new high temperature rapid heating oven and an automated high temperature composite moulding press system.

Bombardier prepares for final assembly of flight test CSeries aircraft Bombardier prepares for final assembly of flight test CSeries aircraft

Bombardier has started work at its Mirabel, Québec production facility to accommodate final assembly of the first flight test CSeries aircraft.

Compositebuild.com expands to Europe Compositebuild.com expands to Europe

Ashland has expanded the coverage of its CompositeBuild.com website to include European composites manufacturers serving the building and construction market.

Scott Bader Composites Europe announces price increase

Scott Bader Composites Europe is implementing a further price increase for its resins, bonding paste and structural adhesive products.

California to have 33% Renewable Energy by 2020

Californian Governor Jerry Brown is expected to sign a bill today requiring a third of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy by 2020.

Owens Corning introduces HiLight roving for translucent panel applications

Owens Corning says its HiLight™ multi-end roving is designed for use in architectural applications such as skylights, cladding, and greenhouses.

GRPMS named distributor for Sigmatex

GRPMS will distribute the Sigmatex carbon fibre reinforcements range in the UK, Eire, France, Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltic states.

Belwind facilitates offshore wind turbine testing

Belwind NV says it will make parts of its latest offshore wind farm concession site off the Bligh Bank on the Belgian continental shelf available for offshore wind turbine testing if it is successful in the bid for NER3000 funding.

Syrgis increases peroxide prices in Europe

Syrgis Performance Initiators AB has announced a price increase for its Andonox®, Norox®, Pulcat® and Benox® organic peroxide product lines sold to the composites market in Europe and the Middle East.

Test facility for 90 m wind turbine blades Test facility for 90 m wind turbine blades

A new facility capable of testing wind turbine blades up to 90 m in length will be inaugurated at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (IWES) in Germany this June.

AGY introduces S-3 HDI glass fibre for high performance PCBs

AGY says its S-3 HDI™ glass fibre enables the production of printed circuit board (PCB) laminates that have a significantly reduced coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and increased dimensional stability.

Polymer Technologies introduces Polynanosil

Polymer Technologies of Singapore has developed Polynanosil, a mixture of homogeneous dispersed elongated silica nanoparticles in epoxy resin.

Cray Valley introduces EnviroGuard bio resins in Europe

Cray Valley has announced the European launch of its range of EnviroGuard™ unsaturated polyester resins, which feature bio-sourced raw materials content of up to 50%.

Despatch Industries supplies carbon fibre line to Australian research centre

Despatch Industries is to supply a fully integrated, pilot-scale carbon fibre manufacturing line for the new Australian Carbon Fiber Research Facility (ACFRF).

World wind capacity reaches 197 GW

Worldwide wind capacity has reached 197 GW despite a slight decrease in new capacity, according to the World Wind Energy Report 2010 from the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA).

Last week's top 3 stories Last week's top 3 stories

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

2011 AVK Innovation Awards – entry deadline 15 April

The German Federation of Reinforced Plastics, AVK, is inviting entries for its 2011 Innovation Awards competition.

India aims for 65.2 GW wind by 2020

India could install 65.2 GW of wind power by 2010, according to the Indian Wind Energy Outlook 2011 published by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE), the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

Record visitor numbers for JEC Composites Show 2011 Record visitor numbers for JEC Composites Show 2011

Over 29 000 visitors attended the JEC Composites Show in Paris last week.

AOC announces price increase for Europe

AOC LLC has announced a price increase for all resins sold in Europe, effective immediately.

Cannon Group exhibits composites technologies at Chinese wind show Cannon Group exhibits composites technologies at Chinese wind show

The Cannon Group will be showing its latest developments in composites, polyurethane and thermoforming technologies at the China International Wind Energy Exhibition and Conference, CWEE 2011, being held in Shanghai this week.

Report predicts increasing use of composites in public transportation

A new Frost & Sullivan report predicts revenues from European composites for public transportation will grow in the coming years.

Gamesa sets up wind turbine materials R&D lab in Singapore

Gamesa is setting up a technology laboratory in Singapore focusing on materials research and development for wind turbines.

China updates wind figures: 18.9 GW in 2010

China has released updated wind power capacity figures showing the country installed 18.9 GW in 2010, bringing the total to 44.7 GW, compared to previous figures estimating the market to have growtn by 16.5 GW.

Virtek launches LaserKit kitting solution Virtek launches LaserKit kitting solution

Virtek Vision International, a Gerber Technology business, is introducing LaserKit™ , a laser-guided kitting tool that helps workers assemble accurate kits by indicating the correct sequence of plies to be picked from the cutting table.

Syrgis Performance Initiators increases peroxide prices in North America

Syrgis Performance Initiators Inc has announced a price increase for its Norox®, Pulcat®, Benox®, Superox® and Andonox® organic peroxide products sold to the composites market in North America.

Quickstep demonstrates automotive capabilities

Quickstep Holdings Ltd says it has manufactured a proof-of-concept painted carbon composite flat panel to Class A automotive quality using its Resin Spray Transmission technology.

Wind turbines survive disasters in Japan

According to data provided by the Japan Wind Power Association, no wind turbine in Japan was damaged by the recent earthquake and by the tsunami.

DSM Composite Resins announces price increase

DSM Composite Resins is increasing the prices of its complete portfolio of unsaturated polyester resins with immediate effect.

E.ON to invest €2.6bn in renewable energy by 2013

E.ON plans to invest €2.6 billion in renewable energy in the period 2011-2013, following investments of €1bn in 2010.

Owens Corning launches glass fibre for high temperature fluid applications

HydroStrand™ is a chopped strand glass fibre for use in high performance polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) composites employed in automotive and industrial parts that come into direct contact with high temperature fluids.

Virtek launches new laser projector Virtek launches new laser projector

Virtek Vision International, a Gerber Technology business, is introducing the Virtek® LPS-7H laser projector, used to guide assembly lay-up operations.

Hampson showcases large structure composite tooling capabilities

Hampson Aerospace Tooling Solutions highlighting its large structure composite and metal tooling capabilities at JEC Composites Show last week.

ACG Inc receives Boeing Performance Excellence Award

Advanced Composites Group Inc recently received a 2010 Boeing Performance Excellence Award.

AGY’S S-2 fibres used in Ocelot military vehicle AGY’S S-2 fibres used in Ocelot military vehicle

AGY’s S-2 Glass® fibres are being used to provide structural and ballistic protection in the new Ocelot Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) developed by Force Protection Europe Ltd (FPE) for the UK Ministry of Defence.

GE wind turbine towers reach 130 m

GE is introducing taller wind turbine towers for its onshore wind turbine product line, bringing hub heights to 130 m.

SP-High Modulus introduces SE 84 Nano prepreg SP-High Modulus introduces SE 84 Nano prepreg

High performance epoxy prepreg SE 84 Nano incorporates 3M™ Matrix Resin and is designed for sailing boat components where compressive strength is a key requirement.

EADS unveils licensing opportunities for composites manufacturing

The EADS Technology Licensing initiative has a portfolio of composites manufacturing methods and techniques available for licensing.

Toho Tenax celebrates 25 years of Tenax production in Germany Toho Tenax celebrates 25 years of Tenax production in Germany

2011 marks the 25th year of Tenax® carbon fibre production in Germany.

Gamesa launches low-wind 4.5 MW wind turbine Gamesa launches low-wind 4.5 MW wind turbine

Gamesa has launched its low-wind wind turbine, G136-4.5 MW Class III, at the Hannover Messe 2011.

UK wind power produced over 10 TWh in 2010

Wind power contributed over 10 TWh to the UK energy generation in 2010, representing a 7.7% growth over 2009.

Sandvik Coromant launches composites machining blog Sandvik Coromant launches composites machining blog

Sandvik Coromant is introducing a blog designed to share knowledge on the machining of composite components.

Last week's top 3 stories

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

Poliya acquires Cam Elyaf resins business

Turkish resins producer Poliya has acquired the resins business of Turkish glass fibre producer Cam Elyaf.

Last month's top 3 stories Last month's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website during March.

Owens Corning introduces roving for long-span pultrusion applications

Owens Corning is introducing XStrand® H roving, a high-performance glass reinforcement for long-span composite parts manufactured using the pultrusion process.

3B wins award for Sheraton Milan Malpensa hotel cladding 3B wins award for Sheraton Milan Malpensa hotel cladding

3B has won a 2011 JEC Innovation Award in the Construction Category for the pultruded composite cladding used at the Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel, Italy.

Ashland completes sale of distribution business to Nexeo Solutions

Ashland Inc has announced that it has closed the sale of its global distribution business Ashland Distribution to Nexeo Solutions LLC, an affiliate of private investment firm TPG Capital.

Gurit acquires balsa producer Balseurop

Gurit has signed a contract to acquire Spanish balsa material producer Balseurop for approximately €20 million, completing the expansion of its core materials portfolio for the wind energy and marine markets.

Carbon fibre demand on the up Carbon fibre demand on the up

Carbon fibre suppliers are looking forward to recovery in the market.

Vestas delivers 150 MW wind turbines to Brazil

Vestas is delivering a total of 150 MW of wind turbines to Energisa S.A. for four wind farms in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.