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:
Carbon fiber at Hyundai, BMW
Following the introduction of the carbon fiber-intensive BMW i3 and i8, the big question was, “What’s next?†Each automaker is taking a different tack in its composites integration, and there are some new signs of carbon fiber use in two new cars, one a concept and the other in production.
Mitsui, ICC to collaborate on carbon fiber composite production
This initiative will jointly develop and implement new manufacturing methods for a wide range of components and products using carbon fiber composites.
Carbon fiber rowboat to cross the Pacific Ocean
In this unique carbon boat, Sonya Baumstein will attempt to become the first woman to row from Japan to California.
Carbon fiber used to construct electric taxi for the tropics
The electric taxi is 150 kg/331 lb lighter than other comparable-sized taxis due to its lightweight carbon fiber composites.
Zoltek to increase carbon fiber capacity in Mexico
Zoltek will double production capacity at its Mexico facility to 5,000 tons per year.
Wing-top and EMMA sanders being used for carbon fiber ferries and yachts
Aerospace-developed technology provides ergonomic and production benefits for shipbuilding.
Boeing 787 surge line will now produce 777X jet
The Seattle Times reports that the first 777X will go down that new line in 2018.
Indian Navy using carbon fiber to build warships
The new carbon fiber composite superstructure is imported from Sweden.
Carbon fiber migrating into other vehicles
The Hyundai Intrado hydrogen-powered crossover is a concept for now, but uses a carbon fiber passenger cell developed and manufactured by Axon Automotive.
Thermoplastic composites “clip†time, labor on small but crucial parts
Preconsolidated carbon fiber/PPS and PEEK and automated thermoforming enable six-figure production of connectors for the Airbus A350 XWB.
Heated composites
LaminaHeat’s PowerFilm and PowerFabric products can be integrated into composites enabling surfaces to be evenly heated up to 232°C.
Ikonics adds more space for its materials business unit
The new production floor will be able to accommodate five robots as well as other automated equipment for machining carbon fiber composites and more.
MarkForged releases test data on CFF materials
Carbon fiber continuous filament fabrication materials for 3D printed composites are actually 30 times stronger and stiffer than unreinforced ABS.
Hexcel expands French carbon fiber, weaving, prepreg capacity
Hexcel will invest $250 million in the construction of a new carbon fiber plant in Roussillon, France, and another $22 million to expand nearby weaving and prepreg facilities.
Zoltek carbon fiber featured in around-the-world yacht racer
Zoltek commissioned construction the Spirit of Hungary in 2012; it competed in the Barcelona World Race and circumnavigated the globe in just over 110 days.
Turning ideas into innovative composites
The Crawford Composites-designed and -built FL15 will be raced in the new Formula Lites series and features high-quality carbon fiber composite construction, including a pressurized CF paddle shift system.
Colored carbon fiber
Two years ago, motorsports engineering company Prodrive (Banbury, UK) announced it had developed colored carbon fiber, after six months of research
Aeroindustryjobs: Jobs of the month, May, 2015
Week of May 5:Â Aerospace-related job opportunities at Park Aerospace Technologies Corp., Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Convergent Manufacturing, C.R. Onsrud Inc., and Collier Research Corp.
Week of May 12: Aerospace industry job opportunities at Abaris Training, Performance Review Institute, Park Aerospace Technologies, TenCate Advanced Composites USA.
Week of May 19:Aerospace-related job opportunities at Wipaire, Cornerstone Research Group, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments and Convergent Manufacturing Technologies.
Week of May 27: Aerospace-related job opportunities at Hexcel, Cytec Aerospace, Toray Composites (America), Exelis and CEO Inc.