University R&D
In Pursuit of the New: A Composite Vision in Green
These days, environmentally-friendly composites are permeating the marketplace and the technology is seen as a viable alternative. But, these solutions weren’t always smiled upon. Just ask University of Mississippi Professor Ellen Lackey, who began working on natural fiber composites at the turn of the century. “We faced skepticism from the composites community because people... »
Q&A: Boeing Believes In, But Not Sold on, Composites (Part I)
Alan G. Miller is the director of technology requirements & incorporation for Boeing Commercial Airlines – Product Development. Miller oversees the development of multi-platform airplane and services requirements, which focuses on the technology investments for Boeing across all technical disciplines. Prior to joining the Product Development team, he was the director of technology integration... »
Composites in the News Last Week
In business news, composite manufacturers have until July 1 to submit forms as part of the EPA’s toxic release reporting. The Labor Department stated the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent in May, with employers adding 431,000 jobs to the market and a spike in manufacturing. An Amarillo Economic Development Corporation grant may... »
Composites in the News Last Week
Infrastructure companies take note: The Construction Safety Council plans to roll out a new national Health Hazards Awareness Program for the construction industry by late summer. International pipe producer HOBAS has opened a new research center for glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GRP) pipe systems in Wietersdorf, Austria. Yet, the National Composite Center was denied $3... »
Fulbright Scholar to Study Composites
One of the biggest criticisms of composite materials is its heterogeneous nature (being comprised of two different kinds of materials). This characteristic can cause conflicts such as cracking and impact resistance within a product. Now, one professor is conducting research to address this negative computation. »
Composites in the News Last Week
New announcements from the automotive sector this week: Mercedes-Benz wants to use carbon fiber and charge gasoline injection technology on all its vehicles by 2015. But Mercedes will have competition, since automotive companies and designers are not only implementing more carbon fiber, but incorporating it in unique designs such as a new type of... »
Composites in the News Last Week
While high-end automakers such as Aston Martin and Porsche are expanding carbon fiber usage, Ferrari said it won’t use the material for its entire line-up, but rather special cars with a low rate of production. Still, other automotive-related areas are growing. India’s car sales are up close to 40 percent from a year... »
Replacement Worker, Not Included
In North Carolina alone, furniture, textile, automotive, marine and other manufacturing sectors were shrinking in the fluctuating economy. “It became apparent that North Carolina residents needed training for the jobs of the future,” says Ron Bolick, director of the Greensboro-based Advanced Composite Research and Training Center. “Several of us had been working in aerospace,... »
Composites in the News Last Week
Many associations played a strong role in infrastructure developments. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) released a report emphasizing the need for states to increase highway and bridge capacity in their communities. Representatives from the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) met with the Department of Energy (DOE) to showcase how... »
Composites in the News Last Week
In the automotive industry this week, Tesla Motors entered the Asian market for the first time, delivering its carbon fiber roadsters to Japan. Ford unveiled the Start concept vehicle at the Beijing Motor Show. The model’s body panels are made from recyclable composites that have the color molded in. Magna became one of several... »
Support Our Advertisers
