News for June 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

Offshore wind in Europe a £2 billion/year opportunity for composites

A report commissioned by The Crown Estate, UK, and undertaken by BVG Associates, concludes that £2 billion will be spent annually on the manufacture of composite wind turbine blades for offshore wind farms in Europe by 2020.

Boeing begins final phase of 787 flight testing

Boeing has started the final phase of flight testing on the 787 Dreamliner prior to certification of the aircraft.

RCF to recycle GKN Aerospace carbon composite waste RCF to recycle GKN Aerospace carbon composite waste

GKN Aerospace has signed an agreement with Recycled Carbon Fibre Ltd (RCF) to recycle the uncured carbon fibre composite waste from its aerostructure manufacturing operation in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK.

European, Asian wind turbine OEMs to collaborate

Several companies are discussing fundamentally different strategies for either global outsourcing for components or internally combining manufacturing processes for wind turbines.

COMPOSITES EUROPE 2011 showcases the potential of high-performing composite materials COMPOSITES EUROPE 2011 showcases the potential of high-performing composite materials

From the latest generation of glass reinforced plastics to state-of-the-art carbon fibre applications in vehicle or aircraft construction – on 27-29 September in Stuttgart, Germany, the COMPOSITES EUROPE trade show will showcase the latest developments in the composites market.

Iberdrola and AREVA bid for French offshore wind zones

Iberdrola Renewables and AREVA will bid for two of the five offshore wind farm zones that will be launched by the French Government in July.

Hypermach unveils SonicStar supersonic aircraft Hypermach unveils SonicStar supersonic aircraft

At the Paris Air Show last week, Hypermach Europe Aeronautics announced plans to manufacture a new supersonic business aircraft called SonicStar.

Bioenergy double in size from nuclear Bioenergy double in size from nuclear

Bioenergy is already around double the size of nuclear energy globally, according to the World Bioenergy Association

DONG, ScottishPower to build West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm

DONG Energy and ScottishPower Renewables have agreed to construct the West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm in the UK under a 50/50 partnership.

Airtech Europe celebrates 20 years Airtech Europe celebrates 20 years

This year, Airtech Europe in Differdange, Luxembourg, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

EuCIA issues position paper on recycling of glass reinforced thermoset composites

The cement kiln route is the most sustainable solution for waste management of glass fibre reinforced thermoset parts and is compliant with EU legislation, according to a position paper issued by the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA).

SP-High Modulus opens new US office SP-High Modulus opens new US office

SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, has opened an office in Bristol, Rhode Island, USA, which will bring together its sales, customer service and engineering teams.

Wind turbine nacelle testing lab in Germany from 2014

A wind turbine nacelle testing facility is planned for 2014 in Bremerhaven, Germany, with backing from Federal and state governments.

Resin meets European food contact regulations Resin meets European food contact regulations

DSM Composite Resins has introduced a new vinyl ester resin for the manufacture of composite components that come into contact with food and drinking water. The resin is compliant with European regulations on food contact and is manufactured using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Composites One distributes Bayer MaterialScience polyurethane resins in USA

Bayer MaterialScience LLC and Composites One have announced a distribution agreement under which Composites One will sell Bayer MaterialScience’s polyurethane resin systems to manufacturers of composite parts in the USA.

International AVK Conference 2011 – programme now available

AVK has released the programme for its 2011 conference, which takes place in Stuttgart this September, alongside the COMPOSITES EUROPE tradeshow.

Amber Composites constructs new prepreg plant Amber Composites constructs new prepreg plant

Prepreg manufacturer Amber Composites has broken ground on a new building at its production facility in Langley Mill, Derbyshire, UK.

Floating accommodation for offshore wind workers Floating accommodation for offshore wind workers

Svitzer UK and Sanderson Maritime have launched an offshore ‘hotel’ concept for accommodation for the offshore renewable sector.

TenCate and Toray sign carbon fibre supply agreement

TenCate Advanced Composites and Toray Industries Inc have signed a long term agreement under which Toray will supply carbon fibres to TenCate for the production of its TenCate Cetex® RTL thermoplastic prepreg materials for the aerospace industry.

Gamesa secures offshore wind centre site in Scotland

Gamesa has secured a site for its Offshore Wind Technology Centre in Glasgow, Scotland, which could see the creation of 40 jobs.

First foundation installed at Thornton Bank 2 offshore wind farm

The first foundation at 295 MW Thornton Bank 2 offshore wind farm in Belgium has been installed.

Last week's top 3 stories

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

Training support for UK composites companies

The UK's National Skills Academy Process Industries has announced a strategic partnership with Semta, the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, to provide UK composites businesses with training support.

WinWinD develops arctic wind turbines

WinWinD is investing €8 million to develop a 3 MW arctic wind turbine as part of a European consortium.

WinWinD builds 250 MW wind farm in India

WinWinD will supply, commission and operate a 250 MW wind farm in India under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Suryachakra Green Power.

Reichhold announces resin price increase for North America

Reichhold Inc will increase prices of all unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester composite resins sold in North America in July.

Wind powered ferry Wind powered ferry

Stena Line’s passenger ferry, Stena Jutlandica, has seen the installation of two small wind turbines to supply electricity to the ferry going between Sweden and Denmark.

Ashland to increase gel-coat prices for Europe

Ashland Performance Materials is increasing the prices of its gel-coats and derivatives portfolio sold in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) from July.

REpower to supply 44 MW wind farm in Italy

REpower Systems SE will deliver 13 of its 3.4M104 wind turbines to Alerion CleanPower SpA for the 44 MW San Marco in Lamis wind farm in Italy.

Applications Composites uses ACG prepregs in Citroën Survolt electric car Applications Composites uses ACG prepregs in Citroën Survolt electric car

French automotive parts manufacturer Applications Composites has used Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) prepregs to manufacture the driver’s shell of the Citroën Survolt electric race car concept.

Romeo RIM installs world’s largest long fibre injection moulding machine

US company Romeo RIM Inc claims it has installed the largest long fibre injection (LFI) press in the world, with the capability to produce glass fibre reinforced polyurethane parts measuring up to 121 square feet.

GRPMS announces distribution agreement with ACG

UK companies GRPMS and Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) have entered into an agreement for GRPMS to distribute ACG’s product range in Scandinavia and Finland.

SPE invites nominations for Automotive Innovation Awards

The Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) has issued its annual call for parts and vehicle-engineering team nominations for its 41st Automotive Innovation Awards Competition.

Last week's top 3 stories

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

Bombardier uses robots in CSeries aircraft assembly Bombardier uses robots in CSeries aircraft assembly

Bombardier Aerospace will use six 12 ton robots in the assembly of the cockpit and fuselage of the CSeries aircraft to enhance quality and reduce assembly time.

Scott Bader introduces high temperature thermoset resin

Scott Bader believes its new Crestapol 1234 high temperature thermoset composites resin can outperform existing thermoplastic and thermoset materials offering a heat deflection temperature (HDT) above 300°C.

GE’s 2.5 MW wind turbines to four wind farms in Sweden

GE will supply 40 of its 2.5 MW wind turbines for four wind farms in Laholm, Boxholm and Mjölby in Southern Sweden for Stena Renewable Wind Energy Company of Göteborg.

Gordon Holdings expanding Polystrand business

Gordon Holdings Inc, parent company of Polystrand Inc and Gordon Composites Inc, has announced plans to expand its Polystrand thermoplastic composites business.

Excellent Pipes wins UAE business award

Excellent Pipes Company LLC has won a Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award 10th Cycle (2010-2011).

Siemens expands wind power business – investing €150m

Siemens plans to invest over €150 million over the next two years to expand its wind power business.

LM Wind Power announces 73.5 m turbine blade LM Wind Power announces 73.5 m turbine blade

The new LM Wind Power blade will be the longest composite blade structure in the world at 73.5 m (equivalent to a 24 storey building), creating an impressive swept area with a 150 m rotor diameter.

Lincoln Composites supplies pressure tanks to Peru

Lincoln Composites has signed a US$5 million contract with Especialistas en Gas del Peru S.A.C. (EGP) for the supply of 40 ft TITAN™ high-pressure tanks and storage modules for use in Peru.

Wind could save €23.7bn in fuel costs in 2015

Wind power could avoid €23.7 billion in fuel costs from coal, gas and oil for electricity production in 2015, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

Top 25 Composites Structures articles

Elsevier has published the Top 25 articles for its Composites Structures journal for January to March 2011.

SABIC to employ Montefibre technology in Saudi carbon fibre plant

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has signed a technology agreement with Italian acrylic fibre producer Montefibre SpA granting SABIC an international licence on Montefibre's carbon fibre technology. SABIC will first use the technology in a new carbon fibre plant in Saudi Arabia.

Boeing opens South Carolina 787 assembly building Boeing opens South Carolina 787 assembly building

Boeing has officially opened its 787 Dreamliner final assembly building in North Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Assembly of first South Carolina-built 787 aircraft is scheduled to begin in July.

Alstom supplies three wind farms to Brazil Alstom supplies three wind farms to Brazil

Alstom will build and service three wind farms in Brazil for Brasventos SA under a €200 million contract.

DECC publishes major renewables report

A new independent study examines the future of renewable electricity technology in the UK

ACMA opposes listing of styrene as 'reasonably anticipated’ carcinogen

The US Department of Health and Human Services has listed styrene as a substance that is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” in its 12th Report on Carcinogens (RoC). The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Styrene Information and Research Center (SIRC) oppose the listing.

Boeing explores aerospace opportunities with Malaysian companies

Boeing's Defense, Space & Security unit has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with three Malaysian companies: Composites Technology Research Malaysia Aero Composites (CTRM AC); SME Aerospace (SMEA); and Spirit AeroSystems.

SWAY offshore wind turbine prototype installed SWAY offshore wind turbine prototype installed

SWAY, which is planning to develop a 10 MW floating offshore wind turbine, has installed its first prototype off the coast of Bergen, Norway.

Last week's top 3 stories

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

Luxury motorboat bonded with Araldite Luxury motorboat bonded with Araldite

Huntsman Advanced Materials' Araldite® 2015 structural adhesive has been specified for bonding the deck to hull of the Neptys First Life 27 – a semi-rigid powerboat made from a vinyl ester composite.

JD Lincoln receives Boeing supplier award

JD Lincoln Inc, a member of Umeco Composites Structural Materials (UCSM) North America, has won a 2010 Boeing Performance Excellence Award.

FiberSIM software comes top in DLR composites study FiberSIM software comes top in DLR composites study

VISTAGY Inc has announced that a DLR (German Aerospace Center) study has found its FiberSIM® composites engineering software superior to other tested draping simulation software when fibre simulation, design functionality and interfaces are collectively considered.

Vestas confirms Canadian wind turbine order negotiations

Vestas is confirming negotiations on a 300 MW wind turbine order for Canada.

Gamesa sells 30 MW Catalonian wind farm to Greentech

Gamesa is selling a 30 MW wind farm development in Tarragona, Spain, to wind farm developer Greentech Energy Systems.

Alcoa develops aluminium aircraft technologies to compete with composites

Aluminium producer Alcoa has announced it has developed a new set of aluminium-based solutions for the aerospace market that are said to enable the building of lighter and lower-cost short-range aircraft at significantly lower production risk than composites - intensive aircraft.

Hexcel opens office in Moscow

Composite materials supplier Hexcel has opened a new sales office in Moscow, Russia.

AOC announces price increase for North America

AOC LLC has announced a price increase for all products from 22 June.

Energetx Composites and Aeroblade establish wind blade manufacturing partnership

Energetx Composites of the USA and wind turbine blade designer Aeroblade of Spain have entered into a Manufacturing Master Supply Agreement through which Energetx will become Aeroblade’s manufacturing partner in North America.

Siemens installs 6 MW offshore wind turbine prototype Siemens installs 6 MW offshore wind turbine prototype

Siemens has installed the first prototype of its 6 MW offshore wind turbine, the SWT-6.0-120, with direct drive technology.

Hexcel lab GL approved for wind energy product testing

Hexcel has announced that its test laboratory at Duxford, Cambridge, UK, has been certified by Germanischer Lloyd (GL) for the mechanical and analytical testing of wind energy products.

Audi R8 GT Spyder offers lower weight, higher performance Audi R8 GT Spyder offers lower weight, higher performance

Audi has employed lightweight materials including carbon fibre composite to reduce the weight of its new, limited edition R8 GT Spyder sports car.

Umeco joins UK's National Composites Centre

Composites manufacturer Umeco has joined the National Composites Centre (NCC), a UK organisation aimed at bringing together business and academic expertise in composites.

Bombardier CSeries aircraft wing factory takes shape Bombardier CSeries aircraft wing factory takes shape

Bombardier has begun installing semi-automated jigs at its new wing facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to support assembly of the composite wings for its CSeries aircraft.

Phenolic prepregs provide weight savings in Bombardier passenger train components Phenolic prepregs provide weight savings in Bombardier passenger train components

Ipeco Composites has used phenolic prepregs from Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) to manufacture standbacks for Bombardier Transportation passenger trains operating in the UK.

Johnson Controls develops lightweight automotive design concepts Johnson Controls develops lightweight automotive design concepts

Automotive supplier Johnson Controls is working with industry partners to develop a lightweight automotive design concept based on composites that will reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy.

REpower’s net income down on difficult year

REpower saw a 4% drop in net income for the fiscal year 2010/2011 to €55.6 million, which has been a tough year for the wind power industry.

Further drop in wind turbine prices expected

Wind turbine prices will continue to drop as a result of persisent problems in the supply chain, according to a new report.

ACG exhibits at 2011 Paris Air Show ACG exhibits at 2011 Paris Air Show

Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) will be exhibiting on the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA) stand at the Paris Air Show later this month.

Quickstep introduces first production ready manufacturing machine

Quickstep Holdings Ltd has developed a composites production machine that will be available for customers to purchase as an 'off-the-shelf' product.

Dow and Aksa plan carbon fibre joint venture

Dow Europe GmbH and Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii AS have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the intent to form a joint venture to manufacture carbon fibre and derivatives.

China still most attractive country for renewable energy

A diverse renewable portfolio helps China hold top position in global energy rankings

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.

COMPOSITES CHINA 2011 takes place in July COMPOSITES CHINA 2011 takes place in July

The first COMPOSITES CHINA show will take place at the New Shanghai International Expo Centre on 13-15 July.

PPG-Devold receives ISO 9001:2008 registration

PPG-Devold LLC, which manufactures multiaxial fabrics for the composites industry at its Shelby, North Carolina, USA, facility, has received registration to the ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard.

Ashland exhibits at China offshore wind show

Ashland Performance Materials will showcase its portfolio of wind energy products at the Offshore Wind China 2011 in Shanghai this month.

Evance small wind turbine gets conditional certification

Evance Wind Turbines’ R9000 5 kW small wind turbine has been granted Conditional Temporary Certification (Conditional Certification) by the Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC).

People People

New appointments at ACMA, PPG Fiber Glass, and Janicki Industries.

MBDA Missile Systems selects FiberSIM software MBDA Missile Systems selects FiberSIM software

VISTAGY Inc has announced that MBDA Missile Systems has purchased its FiberSIM®) software to develop composite components for missile subsystems, missile airframes, and launch canisters.

GWEC: Global Wind Day celebrations on 15 June

On 15 June 2011, 'Global Wind Day', citizens from around the world can discover the benefits of wind energy while having fun, says the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

AGY announces price increase for E-glass yarn

AGY will increase prices of its E-glass yarn products in July.

Last month's top 3 stories

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

Boeing and ANA conduct B787 service readiness validation Boeing and ANA conduct B787 service readiness validation

Boeing and Japanese airline ANA have announced they will work together to help prove the 787 Dreamliner's readiness to enter service on a commercial basis, simulating in-service operations across several airports in Japan.

Gamesa opens fifth wind turbine facility in China

Gamesa has inaugurated its fifth factory, which will assemble 2 MW nacelles for the G9X wind turbine range with an annual capacity of 500 MW, in China in the city of Da’an in Jilin province.

Composites give Spanish hotel a new look Composites give Spanish hotel a new look

The Vistas Hotel in Benidorm, Spain, has been given a new composite facade, made up of white gel-coated glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) sections produced by Spanish moulder Miraplas.