News for June 2012

News Archive

Amber Composites extends tooling prepreg range Amber Composites extends tooling prepreg range

Amber Composites has added three products to its HX series prepreg range. The expanded range provides more choice of out-life and cure schedules, enabling the manufacture of larger, higher quality tooling for complex composite structures.

Delastek reduces material costs with automation solutions from Virtek and Gerber

Delastek Inc, a Canadian manufacturer of composite aircraft parts, reports a 5% reduction in composite material costs since installing a Virtek® LaserEdge™ laser templating system and GERBERcutter® DCS2500 computer-controlled composite cutting system.

Scania collaborates with DuPont on its first thermoplastic oil pan module Scania collaborates with DuPont on its first thermoplastic oil pan module

An oil sump moulded from DuPont Zytel® glass reinforced polyamide 66 resin is being incorporated in Swedish truck maker Scania's Euro 6 engines.

SP-High Modulus appoints Revchem new US distributor

SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, has appointed Revchem Composites as its new distributor for the west coast of the USA.

Carbon fibre a focus at COMPOSITES EUROPE 2012 Carbon fibre a focus at COMPOSITES EUROPE 2012

Carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) will be a focus at this year's COMPOSITES EUROPE trade show, with the competence networks of CFK Valley Stade and Carbon Composites eV (CCeV) taking part.

Michelman awarded $2.5m grant for new R&D centre Michelman awarded $2.5m grant for new R&D centre

Michelman has been awarded a US$2.5 million Ohio Third Frontier Industrial Research and Development Center Grant for its new R&D centre, which will be built at the company’s headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

More job losses at Vestas as it closes China factory and restructures Asia businesses

As it continues to grapple with its restructuring plans, Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has announced it is ending production of kilowatt size machines, including its V52-850kW and V60-850kW turbines.

Tissa and Victrex develop TIXPREF composite fabrics Tissa and Victrex develop TIXPREF composite fabrics

Victrex Polymer Solutions and Tissa Glasweberei AG have developed TIXPREF™ prepregs made out of unidirectional tapes formed from S2-glass or carbon fibres that have been impregnated with high performance VICTREX® PEEK polymer.

Study: US demand for recreational boating products to exceed $10 billion in 2016 Study: US demand for recreational boating products to exceed $10 billion in 2016

Following the economic downturn that began in 2007, the US recreational boating market is beginning to recover with demand expected to grow 8% annually from 2011 to 2016 to reach $10.1 billion, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc.

Zyvex Marine and Pacific Coast Marine introduce nano-enhanced carbon composite marine products Zyvex Marine and Pacific Coast Marine introduce nano-enhanced carbon composite marine products

Zyvex Marine, a division of nano-engineered materials developer Zyvex Technologies, and Pacific Coast Marine are teaming up to manufacture lightweight, durable doors, hatches and other marine closures using nano-composites.

Vestas ditches plans for UK turbine factory

Vestas has scrapped plans for a wind turbine factory in the Port of Sheerness delivering a blow to the UK government’s efforts to bring large-scale wind turbine manufacturing to British shores.

US agency grants $360m to boost overseas renewables

An agency of the US government has approved $360 million in funding for two overseas renewables development schemes, in an effort to bring Western-built technologies to the developing world.

AEC to showcase LEAP engine composite components at Farnborough 2012 AEC to showcase LEAP engine composite components at Farnborough 2012

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) will be displaying the LEAP aircraft engine composite fan blade and composite fan case at the 2012 Farnborough International Air Show.

Carbon Revolution develops one-piece carbon composite wheel Carbon Revolution develops one-piece carbon composite wheel

Australian company Carbon Revolution claims to have developed the world's first one-piece carbon fibre composite wheel for cars.

Quickstep opens new manufacturing facility

Quickstep has opened its new manufacturing facility at Bankstown Airport, Sydney, Australia, which will supply composite components to aerospace companies Northrop Grumman Corporation and Lockheed Martin.

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.

Langzauner introduces high precision, flexible composite press Langzauner introduces high precision, flexible composite press

Langzauner has introduced the first in a new series of high-precision presses which is capable of accommodating all pressing methods.

Zyvex Technologies and NanoFabrix announce partnership for EMI composites

Zyvex Technologies, developer of nano-engineered materials, and NanoFabrix, maker of nanotechnology-based surface films, have announced a partnership to jointly develop carbon nanotube-enhanced composite materials to improve the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of composite materials.

epm supplies canoe measuring jig epm supplies canoe measuring jig

epm technology has designed and manufactured the measuring equipment for Canoe Slalom UK, to supply to the International Canoe Federation, for the 2012 London Olympics.

Green Marine completes first WallyCento design Green Marine completes first WallyCento design

Green Marine has launched the first boat to be built to the new WallyCento class rules at its facility in Hythe on the south coast of England.

ATL Composites joint venture to manufacture composite panels for European market ATL Composites joint venture to manufacture composite panels for European market

ATL Composites of Australia and MuH von der Linden of Germany have formed a joint venture company to produce DuFLEX® composite panels for the European market.

Toho Tenax expands nickel-coated carbon fibre production Toho Tenax expands nickel-coated carbon fibre production

Toho Tenax Co Ltd intends to roughly double its current annual production capacity for nickel-coated carbon fibre by 2013.

1MW Orkney tidal project paves way for “world’s first” array

A 1MW tidal power device has started full export of power in Scottish waters, paving the way for ScottishPower, to deploy the technology in the “world’s first” tidal array.

EU commits to “no regrets” 2030 energy policy

The European Union has committed to a “no regrets” long term policy framework to 2030 that would see an increased share of renewables in the energy mix.

Hanwha Azdel constructs thermoplastic composites plant in Korea

The Hanwha Azdel division of Hanwha L&C Co Ltd of Seoul, South Korea, has announced a major capacity expansion for its SuperLite® reinforced thermoplastic composite product line with a US$20 million investment that will be used to construct a new plant in Bugang, South Korea.

NASA's Composite Crew Module undergoes vacuum testing NASA's Composite Crew Module undergoes vacuum testing

This week, engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, moved a Composite Crew Module (CCM) into the Environmental Test Facility vacuum chamber to test how well the composite structure will react in a simulated space environment.

First Wind and Emera partner up for US wind

Boston-based First Wind and Canada’s Emera have joined forces in a new company that will develop wind power in the north eastern United States.

Aston Martin unveils new Vanquish Aston Martin unveils new Vanquish

Aston Martin today unveiled its new luxury sports car – the Vanquish – which features carbon fibre body panels.

Toho Tenax partners with Hindoostan Technical Fabrics to develop carbon fabrics for India Toho Tenax partners with Hindoostan Technical Fabrics to develop carbon fabrics for India

Toho Tenax Co Ltd has announced a collaboration with Indian company Hindoostan Technical Fabrics Ltd to develop and market carbon fibre fabrics for India’s composite industry.

Umeco exhibits Airbus-qualified prepregs at Farnborough 2012 Umeco exhibits Airbus-qualified prepregs at Farnborough 2012

Umeco Structural materials will be exhibiting examples of Airbus-qualified prepregs at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.

Caterham Composites aids Alex Thomson's Vendée Globe preparations Caterham Composites aids Alex Thomson's Vendée Globe preparations

Alex Thomson Racing (ATR) recently launched its new-look boat on the water in Gosport, UK, the first tangible example of its partnership with Caterham Composites.

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.

UK “on course” to slash offshore wind costs by 30%

An industry-led group tasked with bringing down the cost offshore wind has said that the UK is “on course” to substantially bring down costs over the next seven years

Samsara 'eco surfboard' features Biotex flax fibre Samsara 'eco surfboard' features Biotex flax fibre

Samsara Surf has created a surfboard using Composites Evolution’s Biotex flax fabric in the place of carbon or glass fibre.

UK, South Korea team up on offshore renewables

The UK and South Korea are to join forces to develop offshore wind and wave and tidal technologies...

Hybrid-electric aircraft has composite structure Hybrid-electric aircraft has composite structure

Volta Volare and its subsidiary Volt Aero Technologies recently launched their GT4 aircraft, which they claim is the world's first hybrid-electric, full-sized high performance private aircraft. It is constructed from carbon composite.

UK project to develop lower cost, lightweight composite vehicle structures UK project to develop lower cost, lightweight composite vehicle structures

A project called ACOMPLICE (Affordable COMPosites for LIghtweight Car StructurEs) aims to manufacture lightweight, lower cost composite automotive structures to meet demand for fuel-efficient vehicles which meet reduced emission targets.

Siemens unveils “world’s longest” wind turbine blade Siemens unveils “world’s longest” wind turbine blade

Siemens has unveiled the first batch of its new 75 metre-long wind turbine rotor blades, which it claims are the “world’s longest”.

Dow awarded $9m to develop low cost carbon fibre production process

The US Department of Energy has awarded The Dow Chemical Company US$9 million for a project to develop a low cost carbon fibre production process.

European Commission: renewables growth under threat

Growth in the renewables market will slump unless the EU takes measures now to reduce costs and stimulate investment, the European Commission has warned.

Global investment in renewables up by 17% in 2011

Global investment in renewable power and fuels increased 17% to a new record of $257 billion in 2011, according to a UN report. Developing economies made up 35% of this total investment, compared to 65% for developed economies.

Despatch supplies carbon fibre research line to Australian facility Despatch supplies carbon fibre research line to Australian facility

Despatch Industries is providing its small-scale CFR carbon fibre production line to the Australian Carbon Fibre Research Facility (ACFRF).

MFG CP chosen as World Trade Centre rebuild supplier MFG CP chosen as World Trade Centre rebuild supplier

Molded Fiber Glass Construction Products (MFG CP) contributed to the rebuild of 3 World Trade Center in New York City, partnering with Engineered Devices Corporation (EDC) to supply custom fibreglass column forms, chosen over steel because for their cost saving and ease of use.

Conductive Composites announces production line for nickel coated fibres

Conductive Composites Company has commissioned a new production line for high performance nickel chemical vapour deposition (CVD) coated fibres in Green River, Utah.

Goodrich delivers first composite sail cusp for Virginia Class submarine Goodrich delivers first composite sail cusp for Virginia Class submarine

Goodrich Corporation recently delivered its first composite sail cusp to Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

Report: Materials usage in wind turbine blades Report: Materials usage in wind turbine blades

A report from AMI Consulting values the global composite blade market at an estimated €4 billion in 2011, of which approximately €1.5 billion was raw materials.

MFG WIND launched at WindPower 2012

Molded Fiber Glass Companies (MFG) introduced MFG Wind, a new brand representing the company's wind energy-focused capabilities, at the WindPower 2012 trade show.

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.

Study: Opportunities for composites in Indian wind energy industry – 2012-2017

The consumption of composite materials by the Indian wind energy industry will reach 200 million lbs by 2017, according to a study by Composite Insights.

DSM and Oxeon collaborate on Dutch Olympic rowing boat DSM and Oxeon collaborate on Dutch Olympic rowing boat

DSM has been working with the Dutch Olympic Team to help manufacture a rowing boat for the London Olympics 2012, selecting Oxeon's TeXtreme carbon fabric in combination with DSM’s Turane resin.

Gurit launches spar cap prepreg at WindPower 2012

Gurit has introduced a SparPreg prepreg with a specialised coating technology to enable the economic manufacture of high quality spar caps using glass and carbon fibres.

Composite Advantage completes installation of US bridge deck Composite Advantage completes installation of US bridge deck

Composite Advantage LLC has completed installation of a FiberSPAN™ fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) pedestrian and bicycle bridge deck designed and built as part of the District of Columbia’s Anacostia Riverwalk Trail project.

Creative Pultrusions introduces Superdeck Mass Transit Decking Creative Pultrusions introduces Superdeck Mass Transit Decking

Creative Pultrusions Inc has developed Superdeck Mass Transit Decking (GR250) specifically for the mass transit industry to upgrade concrete infrastructure.

Russian Union of Composites Manufacturers joins EuCIA

The Russian Union of Composites Manufacturers (UNCM) has joined the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) as an Associated Member.

Cytec restarts carbon fibre expansion

Cytec Industries is restarting a project to expand carbon fibre manufacture at its Piedmont, South Carolina, facility. The company is also expanding prepreg manufacture at its site in Greenville, Texas.

Michelman joins National Composites Center, Ohio

Michelman has joined the National Composites Center (NCC), Kettering, Ohio, USA, to augment its fibres and composites development team with research, laboratory, testing and collaboration capabilities.

PPG announces price increase on glass fibre products

PPG Industries’ Fiber Glass business has announced a price increase on all products in the Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Airex Composites Structures divests automotive unit

As part of its ongoing focus on lightweight components for the mass transportation sector, Airex Composites Structures, part of 3A Composites, is divesting its automotive unit.

JM receives GL approval for StarRov 076 roving JM receives GL approval for StarRov 076 roving

Johns Manville (JM) has received Germanisher Lloyd (GL) approval for its StarRov® 076 direct roving to be used in wind turbine blades.

Eurocopter delivers first A350 XWB passenger door

Eurocopter is producing the carbon fibre composite passenger doors for the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft at its Donauwörth, Germany, facility.

Energetx Composites exports wind blade moulds to Spain Energetx Composites exports wind blade moulds to Spain

Energetx Composites is exporting a set of 45.3 m wind blade moulds from its Michigan, USA, facility to Aeroblade in Minano, Spain.

Umeco exhibits composites for defence applications Umeco exhibits composites for defence applications

Umeco is exhibiting its composite materials at the 2012 Eurosatory defence show, which takes place in France in June.

Automated Dynamics develops articulated robot for UK university Automated Dynamics develops articulated robot for UK university

Automated Dynamics has delivered an interchangeable fibre placement head to the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) for use in carbon fibre composite material production.

Formaplex adds Delcam CAM software Formaplex adds Delcam CAM software

Formaplex, a specialist in automotive injection moulding, machining and composite technologies, has added Delcam’s PowerMILL CAM software for five-axis machining as part of a continuing expansion of its capabilities.

Quickstep RST process wins innovation award

Australian advanced composites manufacturer Quickstep Holdings Ltd has been awarded JEC Asia 2012 Innovation Award for its Resin Spray Transfer (RST) process.

More countries embrace geothermal

More countries throughout the world are set to embrace geothermal with others having significant potential to do so a new Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) report reveals.

US wind energy leaders meet to try and extend wind production tax credit

Two US cabinet secretaries have met with leaders of the US wind manufacturing, construction and development sectors at the White House recently to discuss extending the Wind Energy Production Tax Credit before Congress goes into recess for the summer.

May's top stories May's top stories

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