Industry News
We’ve partnered with the folks at Composites World to bring you monthly updates in the more technical world of carbon fiber.  Here’s what’s new this month:
Plant tour: ATK Aerospace Structures, Clearfield, Utah
High-volume, high-precision fiber and tape placement for the aerospace industry are among many specialties for this composites manufacturing behemoth.
Articulated composite booms extend reach of concrete-pumping arms
A 25% weight reduction vs. legacy steel yields economics that justify upfront cost of carbon fiber.
Ford introduces composites-intensive Ford GT carbon fiber supercar
The all-new GT ultrahigh-performance supercar features a carbon fiber passenger cell and carbon fiber body panels hung on aluminum subframes.
Mitsubishi to integrate PAN- and pitch-based carbon fiber businesses
With the integration, Mitsubishi will create a new organization by April 1 and hopes to enhance its position in the carbon fiber industrial market.
Recaro to introduce new composites-intensive automotive seat
The new modular seat design uses a carbon fiber sandwich construction and is expected to begin series production in 2016.
Ford, DowAksa accelerate automotive carbon fiber research
The companies are working to overcome the high cost of carbon fiber, while developing a viable, high-volume manufacturing process for automotive applications.
Sub-8-minute cycle times on carbon/epoxy prepreg
Globe’s Generation 2 RapidClave system passes another out-of-autoclave milestone.
ORNL “prints” Shelby Cobra for Detroit Auto Show
Oak Ridge National Laboratory works with Cincinnati Inc. to 3D-print a Shelby Cobra using a thermoplastic resin reinforced with chopped carbon fiber.
Gurit wins multi-year automotive supply contract
Gurit has been selected to supply carbon fiber composite automotive body panels to an unidentified OEM at a total contract value of more than $34 million.
DolphiTech to supply NDT to Lamborghini
Norway-based DolphiTech will supply its DolphiCam ultrasound inspection camera to Lamborghini for assessment of Huracán LP 610-4 carbon fiber primary structures.
Sub-8-minute cycle times on carbon/epoxy prepreg
Globe’s Generation 2 RapidClave system passes another out-of-autoclave milestone.
Benzoxazines for OOA tooling
Can infusible formulations of this newer resin system produce aerospace-capable tools?
New carbon fiber piano takes the stage
A radical flowing redesign of the concert piano incorporating carbon fiber composites is released by Hungarian pianist Bogányi.
SCRA hires Dr. Jim Sutter and announces Construct architectural affiliate contract win
Sutter will oversee Mantech composite programs while Construct will build a 13m recycled carbon fiber structure using MIT RCF materials.
Integral enters intro strategic agreement with Conductive Composites
Conductive Composites will establish a separate manufacturing line in a new facility dedicated to producing nickel-plated carbon fiber (NiC) exclusively for ElectriPlast.
Aeroindustryjobs: Jobs of the month, January, 2015
Week of January 6:Â Aerospace-related job opportunities at Black Diamond Equipment, DIAB Americas LP, Cobham Mission Systems Div. and Aurora Flight Sciences.
Week of January 13:Â Aerospace-related job opportunities at CPI Radant Technologies Div., MasterWorks, Vanguard Space Technologies, TECT Aerospace.
Week of January 20:Â Aerospace-related job opportunities at Hexcel, Exelis, CPI Radant Technologies Div., Vanguard Space Technologies and Cobham MIssion Systems.
Week of January 27:Â Aerospace industry job opportunities at Chomarat North America LLC, Exelis, Cytec Aerospace Materials, Raytheon and Hexcel.