FEATURES

ATL/AFP

Automated, in-situ inspection a necessity for next-gen aerospace

Inline inspection technologies continue to evolve with the aim of providing faster and more accurate part inspection.

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Additive Manufacturing

Big additive machines tackle large molds

In commercial aerocomposites fabrication, molds reign supreme, but they are expensive. Large-format additive manufacturing systems are poised to make production-ready molds quickly and affordably.

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Carbon Fibers

Fiber sizing, tow spreading and the quest for encapsulation

Fiber sizing is easily overlooked by composites fabricators, but it will be increasingly important to optimization of fiber performance.

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Processes

HP-RTM for serial production of cost-effective CFRP aerostructures

Merging automotive process and tooling with aerospace quality to meet increasing production rates.

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ATL/AFP

Large, high-volume, infused composite structures on the aerospace horizon

Infused carbon fiber composite structures are not new, but they have never been built at the rates anticipated for next-generation, single-aisle aircraft. It is a daunting prospect — but a feasible one.

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Mission Critical: An AM Breakthrough in Commercial Aviation

The GE9X is the first commercial aircraft engine to reach production with significant additive content. The story of GE’s accomplishment and why it matters.

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Processes

Plant Tour: STELIA Aerospace, Méaulte, France

Supplier of Airbus fuselage sections pushes boundaries of hybrid aerostructures production, assembly and thermoplastic composites.

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ATL/AFP

Spirit AeroSystems invests in qualification program with Toray prepreg

The world’s largest aerospace tier supplier seizes the opportunity to develop its own allowables for a carbon fiber prepreg, setting an important precedent.

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Aerospace

Tackling the Aerospace Supplier’s Dilemma: Scalability

Automation and robotics can go a long way toward increasing capacity and growing a business dedicated to aerospace manufacturing. But Trinity Precision has learned that refining the indirect and unseen aspects of its operations can be just as valuable.

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Processes

Thermoplastic composites: Poised to step forward

The evolving role of thermoplastic materials and processes and their future in next-generation commercial aircraft.

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