News for September 2011

News Archive

Energy Composites and SSP enter wind turbine blade partnership

Energy Composites Corporation (ECC) and Denmark's SSP Technology A/S are entering into a strategic partnership to establish a joint venture focusing on wind turbine blades for the North American market.

Latin American Composite Materials Association established

A ceremony marking the foundation of the Latin American Composite Materials Association, ALMACO, will take place today in Santiago, Chile.

Cutting offshore wind costs by 25%

Dominion has received a two-year, US$500,000 grant from the US Department of Energy (DoE) to investigate ways to reduce the cost of offshore wind by at least 25%.

Sinovel delivers 23 wind turbines to Brazil

Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Sinovel, is delivering 23 of its SL1500/82 wind turbines to a 34.5 MW wind farm in Sergripe, Brazil, for Engevix subsidiary Desenvix.

New York invests US$150m in renewable energy projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) have made US$150 million available to fund a range of renewable energy projects in New York State.

Teijin Aramid introduces black Twaron fibre Teijin Aramid introduces black Twaron fibre

Teijin Aramid has started production of its first black aramid fibre, Twaron Black, in the Netherlands.

Financing secured for 400 MW Anholt offshore wind farm

The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and DONG Energy have signed a €240 million loan deal for financing the 399.6 MW Anholt offshore wind farm in Danish waters.

Lamborghini to produce Sesto Elemento Lamborghini to produce Sesto Elemento

Lamborghini has announced that its Sesto Elemento carbon fibre concept car will go into production.

ELG acquires Recycled Carbon Fibre Ltd

Scrap metals processer ELG Haniel GmbH of Germany has acquired 100% of the shares in Recycled Carbon Fibre Ltd (RCF), a UK company which converts carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) production waste into re-useable carbon fibre. ELG plans to expand the business globally.

Last weeks' top 3 stories

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

LISA Airplanes launches AKOYA light aircraft LISA Airplanes launches AKOYA light aircraft

LISA Airplanes' AKOYA two-seat composite aircraft is able to land on land, water and snow.

University of Western Ontario and Fraunhofer team up in composites research centre University of Western Ontario and Fraunhofer team up in composites research centre

The Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT, Germany, and the University of Western Ontario, Canada, have set up a joint research centre to develop composite materials and processes for lightweight vehicles.

AMSC accuses Sinovel of IP theft and breach of contracts

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) is taking a series of legal actions against its largest customer, Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd, accusing Sinovel of theft of intellectual property (IP) and breach of contract.

UK’s first public hydrogen refueling station opens at Honda facility in Swindon UK’s first public hydrogen refueling station opens at Honda facility in Swindon

The first open-access hydrogen vehicle refueling station in the UK has been officially opened at Honda’s car manufacturing facility in Swindon. The hydrogen fueling station was built and is operated by industrial gases giant BOC.

TSC opens Virgin Galactic spaceship build facility TSC opens Virgin Galactic spaceship build facility

The Spaceship Company ( TSC ), a joint venture between Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites, has opened its final assembly facility at Mojave Air and Space Port in California.

Hampson to showcase advanced composite structures at Aviation Expo / China 2011

Hampson Aerospace Aerostructures & Composites will highlight its advanced composite structures and assemblies at Aviation Expo / China 2011 on 21-24 September.

Composites offers benefits in modular housing design Composites offers benefits in modular housing design

Excellent mechanical properties, low weight and fast installation are some of the properties making composite materials attractive for modular housing concepts.

China's fast-growing industry parks – an opportunity to be seized

China's fast-growing industrial parks could be an opportunities for companies wishing to enter or expand their presence in China, according to Lux Research.

Gurit establishes Engineered Structures business unit

Gurit is combining its composite structural engineering skills with business development and rapid prototyping resources in a new business unit called Engineered Structures.

'Wireless' solar power

G24 Innovations (G24i) and Skyco Shading Systems Inc will install a wireless shade system powered by G25i's Gen-3 indoor solar technology in over 8000 windows for a global hotel chain.

Reichhold announces gel-coat price increase for Europe

Reichhold is increasing prices for gel-coat orders shipped on, or after, 1 October 2011 in Europe.

COMPOSITES EUROPE 2011 sets exhibitor record COMPOSITES EUROPE 2011 sets exhibitor record

COMPOSITES EUROPE 2011 is set for a strong start on 27 September in Stuttgart with 25% more exhibition area and 20% more exhibitors.

First A350 XWB wing lower cover delivered First A350 XWB wing lower cover delivered

The first A350 XWB wing lower cover has been transported from Airbus’ composites manufacturing site in Illescas, Spain, to the Airbus wing assembly site in Broughton, UK, where it will be installed on the first A350 XWB to fly. According to Airbus, this is the biggest carbon composite part ever produced in the civil aviation industry.

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.

RWE Innogy opens 16 MW Italian wind farm

RWE Innogy and FRI-EL Green Power have commissioned the 16 MW, €26 million Anzi wind farm in southern Italy.

IIT showcases milling technology at The Composites Engineering Show 2011 IIT showcases milling technology at The Composites Engineering Show 2011

International Innovative Technologies Ltd (IIT) will be showcasing its patented low energy milling technology for composites and other hard materials at The Composites Engineering Show in the UK this November.

Wind produces “record” amount of UK electricity

UK wind power has reached the 3 GW milestone for exporting electricity to the National Grid, according to RenewableUK.

SABIC joins automotive innovation joint venture INPRO

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is to purchase an equity stake in INPRO, a joint venture dedicated to collaborative innovation in automotive production.

Tackling the wake effect of wind turbines

A team of researchers have studied wind turbines' wake effect with the aim of increasing wind farm productivity, using Second Wind's Triton Sonic Wind Profiler.

Formtech Composites and BAE Systems collaborate on military project

Formtech Composites Ltd and BAE Systems are involved in a project to design, develop and produce a composite Light Assault Bridge as a technology demonstrator for the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Gamesa comes with the wind to Sweden Gamesa comes with the wind to Sweden

Gamesa has signed three new wind power contracts in Sweden in the last four months including 20 MW of the G9X 2 MW wind turbines to Triventus and Spanish Power, and two G58 850 kW turbines to Eolus Vind AB.

Composite solar roofing offers lower installation cost Composite solar roofing offers lower installation cost

Australian company The Specialty Group is developing solar roofing materials in sheet form as part of a 3-year A$7 million clean energy research project. The roofing material is based on the company's UV curable prepregs.

Global prepreg market to reach $7.29b by 2017

The global market for prepreg is forecast to reach 152 907 tonnes, equal to US$7.29 billion, by 2017, according to a new report available from Global Industry Analysts Inc (GIA).

Crash-safe composite battery housing for electric cars Crash-safe composite battery housing for electric cars

Fraunhofer engineers have replaced a battery box for an electric car with a lightweight composite component. The new housing saves weight, sustains no damage in an accident, and can be mass-produced.

US saw good wind in Q2 2011, Europe less so

The US had an exceptionally good quarter with above normal wind speeds in the second quarter (Q2) this year, according to AWS Truepower LLC.

SP-High Modulus introduces PVCell G-foam marine core SP-High Modulus introduces PVCell G-foam marine core

SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, is launching a closed cell, cross-linked PVC foam core material for the marine market, PVCell G-Foam.

Pedal-powered composite boat – Project Torpedalo Pedal-powered composite boat – Project Torpedalo

In a few months time two UK engineers will attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a composite pedal-boat to raise money for charity and hopefully set a new world record.

BMW recruiting 3500 personnel to work on 'future technologies' BMW recruiting 3500 personnel to work on 'future technologies'

The BMW Group is planning to recruit around 3500 new personnel this year, including specialists in lightweight construction and electrical engineering, as well as IT and software engineers.

METYX Composites announces new Tooling Centre METYX Composites announces new Tooling Centre

METYX Composites is adding a new Tooling Centre, featuring a 5-axis CNC machine, to its facility in Istanbul, Turkey.

BASF establishes lightweight composites team for automotive industry BASF establishes lightweight composites team for automotive industry

To show its commitment to the growing importance of lightweight design in the automotive industry, BASF has established a lightweight composites team.

Gurit reports first half 2011 results

In the first half of 2011, composite materials specialist Gurit achieved net sales of CHF163.1 million, a 4.3% increase on the first six months of 2010.

Nordex to install 20 MW of wind in Romania

Nordex has received its two first orders for a total of 20 MW of wind turbines for Romania.

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.

Ahlstrom starts co-operation negotiations at Karhula and Mikkeli plants

Ahlstrom Corporation has started co-operation negotiations with employee representatives at its Karhula and Mikkeli plants in Finland with the aim of improving the units' profitability.

DoE: US$38m for geothermal technology development

The US Department of Energy (DoE) is awarding US$38 million over three years to accelerate the development of geothermal technologies.

US pledges US$43m to spur offshore wind

The US Department of Energy (DoE) has pledged US$43 million over the next five years to speed technical innovations, lower costs, and shorten the time-line for deploying offshore wind.

Richmond Aerovac opens liaison office in India

Richmond Aerovac has opened an office in India to act as a communication channel between Richmond Aerovac in the UK and its Indian customers.

Henkel PUR adhesive speeds up wind turbine blade bonding Henkel PUR adhesive speeds up wind turbine blade bonding

Adhesive specialist Henkel's new polyurethane (PUR) adhesive Macroplast UK 1340 is said to speed up the process of wind turbine blade bonding.

ACMA proposes ANSI standard for pultruded FRP structures

The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)'s Pultrusion Industry Council (PIC) has taken a step toward creation of a national standard for the use of pultruded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites materials by developing the Code of Standard Practice for Fabrication and Installation of Pultruded FRP Structures.

Owens Corning showcases composite technologies at China Composites Expo 2011

Owens Corning is showcasing an array of innovative composite applications at the China Composites Expo in Shanghai.

Owens Corning plans opening of China Composites Centre

Owens Corning, a producer of glass fibre reinforcements for composite systems and residential and commercial building, will open its China Composites Centre in Shanghai in early 2012.

Beagle Technology Group completes £1m upgrade

Beagle Technology Group has completed the £1 million composite upgrade at its facility in Christchurch, UK.

Gerber launches GERBERcutter Z1 at China Composites Expo 2011 Gerber launches GERBERcutter Z1 at China Composites Expo 2011

At China Composites Expo, Gerber Technology is introducing the GERBERcutter® Z1 computer-controlled, single-ply cutting system designed to cut a wide range of composite materials.

ACG presents defence portfolio at DSEi 2011

Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG) will be exhibiting at the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEi) show in London on 13-16 September.

3A Composites Core Materials launches AIREX T90.60

3A Composites is introducing the new AIREX® T90.60, its lightest structural PET core material.

Automated Dynamics tests laser heating for fibre placement of composite materials Automated Dynamics tests laser heating for fibre placement of composite materials

Automated Dynamics is testing a laser-based heating method for the production of fibre placed composite materials.

CODE8 wins Hungarian sailing race CODE8 wins Hungarian sailing race

Less than a month after it first set sail, the CODE8, a One Design carbon racing yacht, has won the Keszthely-Kenese Regatta, a non-stop solo sailing race across Lake Balaton in Hungary.

DoE awards US$145m for solar technologies

The US Department of Energy (DoE) has announced over US$145 million for advanced solar technologies to “help shape the next generation of solar energy technologies”.

LANXESS invests €15m in Antwerp glass fibre plant

LANXESS is investing €15 million in its glass fibre plant in Antwerp, Belgium, to expand production by 10%.

Renewable energy financing hit by political uncertainty and financial woes

The Eurozone debt crisis and recent negotiations over US sovereign debt have had a negative impact on renewable energy financing, according to Ernst & Young.

BMW / SGL joint venture opens US carbon fibre plant BMW / SGL joint venture opens US carbon fibre plant

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (SGL ACF) – a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group – has officially opened its new carbon fibre manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, USA.

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.

Mecmesin introduces testing systems at The Composites Engineering Show 2011

Mecmesin, a UK company specialising in force and torque testing equipment, will demonstrate two new testing systems at The Composites Engineering Show in Birmingham this November.

Norplex-Micarta introduces WaveMax™ 8000 solder pallet material Norplex-Micarta introduces WaveMax™ 8000 solder pallet material

Thermoset composites manufacturer Norplex-Micarta is introducing WaveMax™ 8000 solder pallet material, which combines a woven glass fabric with a high temperature static dissipative epoxy resin.

Insituform Technologies acquires North American business of Fyfe Group

Insituform Technologies Inc, a specialist in technologies for rehabilitation of pipelines and other structures, has acquired the North American business of Fyfe Group LLC, a provider of complementary products.

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 the month of August.

Brazilian wind power on the rise

Brazilian wind power deployments could exceed 5 GW by 2013 representing a five-fold increase from the current installed capacity, according to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

Scott Bader to exhibit speciality products at China Composites Expo 2011 Scott Bader to exhibit speciality products at China Composites Expo 2011

Scott Bader Asia Pacific will exhibit its range of Crystic® high performance speciality resins, gel-coats and adhesives at China Composites Expo 2011 this month.

Wind power forecast downgraded by 9 GW

Average annual global wind power growth has been downgraded from 11% to 10% in the period 2011-2016 in MAKE Consulting's Q3 2011 Market Outlook Update.

CDI launches TIP™ program at China Composites Expo 2011 CDI launches TIP™ program at China Composites Expo 2011

CDI (Century Design Inc), a supplier of prepreg machines and specialist composite processing equipment, has teamed up with manufacturing process consultant Red Composites to launch the new implementation program TIP at China Composites Expo 2011.