Composites Basics
Composites end markets: New space (2025)
Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.
Scott Francis
Editor-In-Chief, Gardner Business Media
Composites end markets: Energy (2025)
Despite political and supply chain challenges, renewable and nuclear energy continue to grow in use. Composite materials enable current and future energy technologies across sectors.
Read MoreLaser cleaning in composites manufacturing
Laser cleaning technologies for cleaning production molds for composites offer alternatives to harsher, less-friendly methods with features like automation and higher power cleaning.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Aviation and advanced air mobility (2025)
Despite persistent supply chain issues, markets were set for healthy growth before Trump policies and tariffs, yet long-term trends favor composites in new platforms. Meanwhile, advanced air mobility shakes out and moves forward.
Read MoreCrashworthiness testing of composites: A building block approach, Part 3
Third in a series on crashworthiness testing analyzes the upper levels of the building block approach and the importance of numerical analyses.
Read MorePlasma moves beyond improved bonding to coatings, multifunctional composites
Plasmatreat cold plasma systems clean, activate surfaces and apply nanocoatings for dielectric barriers and more.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Electronics (2025)
Electronic and smart device innovations achieved through the use of advanced materials ranging from thermoplastic composites to biomaterials emphasize high-volume production and sustainability.
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Seven tips for machining composite aerospace components
Machining composite materials is a dusty, arduous and abrasive process that is hard on cutting tools, requiring the right combination of strategies and know-how to properly navigate their dynamics.
CW Tech Days — Upcoming and past events
CW Tech Days are virtual events dedicated to the topics impacting the composites industry today. Access past event recordings and register for upcoming Tech Days.
Read MoreUnderstanding the difference between bonding and welding
Composites bonding and welding are two similar but distinct processes that overcome challenges related to fasteners or drilling. Here are some resources to get you started.
Read MoreThe pursuit of energy efficiency in composites manufacturing
In an increasingly energy-driven world, technology developments are being sought after to reduce energy consumption in composites manufacturing, further translating into waste reduction and other efficiencies.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Sports and recreation (2025)
The use of composite materials in high-performance sporting goods continues to grow, with new advancements including thermoplastic and sustainability-focused materials and automated processes.
Read MoreCrashworthiness testing of composites: A building block approach, Part 2
Following the previously discussed coupon-level testing element, subcomponent and component testing are the next steps in designing crashworthy composite structures.
Read MoreTrends fueling the composites recycling movement
Various recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.
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Functionalizing surfaces for sustainability
Riblets reduce drag, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and noise while boosting power output, flow rates, speed and efficiency.
Ginger Gardiner
Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld
Avoiding pitfalls in the design of LFAM composite components
Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.
Read MoreFive things you get with your CW subscription
Reliable news and information on where and how fiber-reinforced composites are being applied — that’s just the start of what you get from our team here at CompositesWorld.
Read MoreGuidance for the thermoforming process
A briefing on some of the common foam core material types, forming methods and tooling requirements.
Read MoreRevisiting the double vacuum debulk process
Evolution of the double vacuum debulk (DVD) process over the years continues to advance its “near autoclave quality” for low-void, highly compacted repair patches.
Read MoreFastener selection for composite materials
How to navigate terminology, materials and functionality in choosing the right fastener for components or assemblies involving composite materials.
Read MoreNondestructive inspection methods available to composites manufacturers
An overview of composite laminate inspection techniques ranging from manual testing methods to more advanced, noncontact options.
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Celebrating 30 years of CompositesWorld, Part 1
CW explores key composite developments that have shaped how we see and think about the industry today.
Scott Francis
Editor-In-Chief, Gardner Business Media
Aerodynamic considerations when repairing complex composite structures
An example process gives steps and issues to consider when determining the most effective repair method for preserving the aerodynamic surface of a complex-contoured composite sandwich structure.
Read MoreThe basics of composite drawing interpretation
Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.
Read MorePEEK vs. PEKK vs. PAEK and continuous compression molding
Suppliers of thermoplastics and carbon fiber chime in regarding PEEK vs. PEKK, and now PAEK, as well as in-situ consolidation — the supply chain for thermoplastic tape composites continues to evolve.
Read MorePultrusion: The basics
A primer describing what pultrusion is, its advantages and disadvantages, and typical applications.
Read MoreProper application of semi-permanent mold release systems
Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.
Read MoreThe state of recycled carbon fiber
As the need for carbon fiber rises, can recycling fill the gap?
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