Automated Carbon Fiber Preforming Technology With Continuous Z Axis Reinforcement

Seriforge, Inc. Seriforge has developed an automated process to produce dry thermoset carbon fiber performs and thermoplastic preforms for high volume part production. This preforming technology is unique because a continuous Z axis Carbon Reinforcement-CZR, is passed through the entire thickness of the dry preform. CZR technology has no knots, loops or tensioning. The resulting molded parts have significantly hgher …

Energy Absorbing, Durable, Fire Resistant, Cost-effective, NextGen Composite System

(West Virginia University) The Achilles heel in any structural system performance is its joint, especially under hurricanes, earthquakes and blast loads. A three-part joint strengthening composite system invented by West Virginia University researchers, enhances the energy absorption, durability, and fire resistance of a structure in a cost-effective manner. This has been validated after extensive testing and evaluation, exhibiting at least …

Ford/Magna Carbon Fiber Subframe

(Ashland LLC) Lightweighting vehicles, in order to reduce emissions, is a well identified need for the automotive industry. Magna International Inc in cooperation with Ford Motor Company, have developed a prototype carbon fiber composite subframe that not only reduces the weight of the vehicle but also consolidates the number of parts needed in its assembly by over 80%. The part …

Curved Pultrusion Process Applied to Highly Engineered Hollow Profiles

(Shape Corp) Shape Corp has developed a curved pultruded component that will start soon. This specific product is for an automotive application; however, the process and materials might be best served for many other industries and applications. The part will be made with a Urethane Acrylate resin system; however, the team has tested a variety of different Poly Urethane’s and …

Low Cost Carbon Fiber (LCCF)

(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Carbon fiber is a strong, stiff, lightweight enabling material for improved performance in many applications. Historically carbon fiber has been a high-priced specialty material prohibiting its widespread use in high volume, cost sensitive applications. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has successfully addressed this issue with the development of a novel fiber production method that reduces …

3D Foam Printing Technology

(University of Central Florida) The University of Central Florida (UCF) with its industry partner SegAna, LLC have developed a 3D Foam Printer and materials systems. This is a first successful demonstration of 3D printing of very flexible foam materials with a density as low as human lungs, ultra-low elastic modulus (10 times lower than elastomers) but ultra-high elongation. Using a …

Significant Weight Reduction of Aircraft Seat

(Oxeon AB) HAECO turned to TeXtreme® to help optimize their current seat design for weight, while still maintaining mechanical properties. TeXtreme® used calculation, simulation and manufacturing support to help HAECO reduce the weight of the aircraft seat by almost 20%. TeXtreme® wisely optimized the composite lay-up. Also, the TeXtreme® fabric has been judiciously used so that its specific architecture could …

CFRTP Processing Technology Using Commingling, Fiber Laying, and Light Molding

(Gifu University) We propose a process, which provides a high flexibility of design, high fabrication yield, and easy shaping carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) molding product. This process consists of three independent technologies; commingling, fiber laying, and light molding. First, high performance polyamide N-XD10 (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical) was spun. The resin fiber was highly dispersed into a carbon fiber yarn …

Out-of-Autoclave Process: Low Cost, Low Cycle Time Motorcycle Helmets

(Vistex Composites, LLC) The motorcycle helmet is being produced in partnership with Impact Technologies’ Kirsch Helmets. Their revolutionary liner replaces traditional EPS foam for energy absorption. Due to the liner’s low profile and unique needs during impact, advanced composites were essential for providing both high stiffness and high toughness. The helmet is made from external layers of woven carbon fiber …

Reusable Shipping and Storage Containers for High Value Assets

(PRC Composites) PRC Composites is providing a family of composite shipping and storage containers for a large aircraft engine component supplier. Our reusable containers will replace large single use wood boxes. The elimination of the 1000’s of wood boxes that would have been required for life of the program will save thousands of trees as well as save our customer …