Global EV sales hit 20 million units in 2025, and the adjacent batteries and fuel cells industries saw equal growth, all trends shaped by composite technologies.
Strato-V project and NordSpace develop Type 5 composite pressure vessels while new U.K. government report and NLR report advances toward hydrogen-powered flight.
Lightning strike protection has traditionally been achieved via single sheets of metallic materials potentially compromised by paint while AFP provides a path toward tailored conductivity and connectivity plus multifunctionality.
The Chaparral aircraft flew uncrewed cargo missions across the Gulf Coast as part of the U.S. DOT and FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.
Complete materials portfolio is designed for faster production and extended battery range, and is qualified for immediate use by eVTOL manufacturers.
SNAPSHOT: The 1-meter-diameter Type 5 demonstrator, made from carbon fiber/LMPAEK was developed under an ESA-funded project targeting hydrogen and methane storage.
CAMX 2026: ZwickRoell’s new G1C Mode I testing setup pairs a ZwickiLine universal testing machine with automated crack-length measurement for ASTM D5528 double cantilever beam tests.
Anaglyph takes full ownership of the composite design tool co-developed with NPL, with version 3.4 out now and continued support for existing users.
The now-operational 300,000-square-foot Ciudad Juárez facility offers closer access to large-scale manufacturing capacity and technical support operations for the U.S., Mexico and Americas.
A one-way attritable UAV or USV should not carry the same material qualification and specification burden as a crewed, long-life aircraft or vessel.
SNAPSHOT: Francois Geuskens says the Approval in Principle validates the vision that led him to start Curve Works 10 years ago, replacing costly one-off tooling with adaptive mold, panel-based composite construction.
SNAPSHOT: Founded in 2025, the additive manufacturing company has installed CEAD robot printer, signed materials agreement with Airtech and fielded four composite unmanned surface vessels.
The newly installed Mikrosam Libra system processes a variety of composite materials on a single platform with swappable end effectors, closed-loop thermal control and full data acquisition built in, expanding capabilities for aerospace, industry and government partners.
Standard 3K twill and UD T700 plates at 1.5 and 3.0 millimeters thick, plus round, square and oval tube profiles are now supplied from stock to shorten lead times for customers.
The Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) is funding 18 teams to develop aircraft capable of operating persistently in the stratosphere including Structural Solar project integrating perovskite photovoltaics onto carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP).
The Derbyshire startup is seeking investment to fund the unit, using a steam-and-pressure process that separates hard-to-process composites derived from maritime and wind industries.
Hyke is recognized for its clean, quiet and more efficient public transportation solution as it pursues new partnerships and vessel deployment in Qatar and the wider Middle East.
KVE is adding nearly 1,800 square meters of production space for composite blades, wing structures and other components to support growing customer demand, marking 30 years in industry and 4 years under Daher's ownership.
The newly installed Mikrosam Libra system processes a variety of composite materials on a single platform with swappable end effectors, closed-loop thermal control and full data acquisition built in, expanding capabilities for aerospace, industry and government partners.
Standard 3K twill and UD T700 plates at 1.5 and 3.0 millimeters thick, plus round, square and oval tube profiles are now supplied from stock to shorten lead times for customers.
Process simulation platform is available to defense and aerospace composites fabricators who are using Renegade materials, helping to rapidly transition design to manufacturing.
Funding follows $20 million in U.S. government contracts and growing adoption of the composites additive system across aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing.
The automakers are among the first users of Stratasys’ new large-format F870 additive manufacturing system, which prints carbon fiber-reinforced Nylon 12CF parts for shop floor tooling and fixtures.
CAMX 2026: Sharp & Tappin Technology’s Compcut ACS 300 saw, aimed at composite test specimen preparation, launches in the U.S. via partner Measured Solutions.
Global EV sales hit 20 million units in 2025, and the adjacent batteries and fuel cells industries saw equal growth, all trends shaped by composite technologies.
Lightning strike protection has traditionally been achieved via single sheets of metallic materials potentially compromised by paint while AFP provides a path toward tailored conductivity and connectivity plus multifunctionality.
With the space sector in a race for strategic dominance and the lunar economy coming into view, composite materials are accelerating into an era of high-rate production, advanced autonomous manufacturing and structural innovation that would have seemed like science fiction a generation ago.
Composites continue to drive energy innovations, from new materials and installations of recyclable wind blades to nuclear CMC and offshore oil pipelines.
The autoclave has long defined thermoset composites processing — snap-cure epoxy prepreg systems are built around the premise that it doesn't have to.
Market outlook highlights commercial, defense and bizjet upturn, shift to Asia/rise of India while supply chain struggles to meet rate, AAM begins pivot toward commercial routes plus trends in civil UAS, electric aircraft and the latest in composites developments.
Are you looking for new ways to reduce weight, improve recyclability and stay ahead of evolving circularity requirements without compromising performance?As sustainability and resource efficiency become increasingly important across industries, extruded PP foam composite solutions are emerging as a powerful enabler for the next generation of composite applications.Join experts from SPUR and Borouge International as they share the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of composite structures. Discover how extruded PP foam core technology can help you develop lightweight, durable and recyclable sandwich structures for automotive, building and construction and industrial applications.During this webinar, you will gain valuable insights into design considerations, manufacturing approaches, emerging application developments and the future potential of extruded PP foam composite solutions. Learn how you can unlock new opportunities to meet performance, sustainability and circularity goals while preparing your products for tomorrow’s market demands.AgendaWelcome and IntroductionIndustry, Market & Application ChallengesMaterial routes to solve these ChallengesApplication fit and development RoutesConclusionQ&AClosing
Building systems are evolving. Increasing performance requirements, stricter fire regulations and growing expectations around durability and sustainability are putting pressure on traditional material choices. At the same time, manufacturers are expected to deliver higher performance without increasing complexity or cost.In this webinar, we explore how composites can work alongside aluminum to address these challenges in a practical and effective way. The session is designed especially for teams who are curious about composites but may still have questions or hesitation: Where do composites really add value? Are they strong enough? What about fire performance, processing, durability, sustainability and cost? The session will focus on how composites can be used in targeted areas of aluminum system to improve performance where it matters most.Our experts will walk through the key differences between composites and aluminum in real applications, answering the kinds of questions designers, engineers and product teams often raise when considering a new material. Through concrete examples, from window and door systems to structural facade interfaces, you’ll see where composites can add measurable value and how hybrid solutions can simplify design while enhancing performance.We’ll also introduce a practical hybrid design approach: replacing selected components, not entire systems. This can help reduce part counts, improve installation efficiency and support more durable, high-performing solutions while making the transition to composites easier and more manageable.Join us to get practical answers to common questions about composites and learn how combining materials can help you improve your building systems, meet evolving requirements and create more competitive, future-ready solutions.AgendaUnderstand where composites add real value in building systemsLearn how composites and aluminum can work together to improve performance without redesigning entire systemsGet clarity on key performance questions, including thermal behavior, fire performance, durability, and sustainabilityDiscover a practical hybrid design approach that reduces complexity while enhancing system performanceGet practical examples on how to transition into composites effortlessly
Aerospace and defense manufacturers face the challenge of increasing throughput while maintaining structural performance and controlling costs as production demands rise. Fast-cure composite materials offer one way to shorten manufacturing cycles, but understanding performance and processing tradeoffs is essential before implementation. Join us as we examine the engineering considerations behind fast-cure composites, including cure kinetics, exotherm behavior and comparative performance data. We will also demonstrate how cure simulation provides additional insight during process development. Attendees will gain practical insight into evaluating fast-cure composite materials for high-rate aerospace and defense manufacturing. Agenda Manufacturing Opportunities: Finding the right balance between throughput, cost and structural performance in aerospace and defense composites Setting the Baseline: Reviewing established, qualified prepreg performance data and what “equivalent performance” really means when evaluating a faster-cure alternative The Data: Comparing mechanical performance, cure time, exotherm behavior and processing options for a proven prepreg system and a fast-cure alternative Cure Simulation: Live demo of a cure simulation tool that helps manufacturers predict cure behavior before starting production
Surface contamination and inadequate surface preparation remain leading causes of adhesion failures, product defects and costly recalls across industries, including automotive, aerospace, composites and medical device manufacturing. Yet many organizations continue to rely on subjective inspection methods rather than measurable surface quality data. This webinar explores how manufacturers can establish objective cleanliness standards, implement surface energy measurement techniques and monitor contamination throughout the product lifecycle to improve adhesion reliability, manufacturing quality and first-pass yield. Attendees will learn why developing a formal adhesion specification — and enforcing it consistently from initial process development through full-scale production and sustainment — is critical to reducing failures and improving manufacturing outcomes. The session will explore the latest ASTM standards supporting adhesion testing, surface cleanliness verification and quality assurance, while sharing real-world examples of companies that have successfully implemented adhesion monitoring programs to drive measurable improvements in reliability and yield. Participants will also have the opportunity to assess the maturity of their own surface energy management practices, benchmarking current processes against industry best practices. The webinar will conclude with a look at how Brighton Science's surface intelligence tools, including water contact angle (WCA) measurement and the Brighton Process Monitor, enable objective, repeatable surface energy analysis that supports faster troubleshooting, stronger first-pass yield and long-term quality control. This webinar is designed for manufacturing engineers, quality professionals, process development teams and operations leaders responsible for adhesion reliability, surface quality and manufacturing performance across the product lifecycle. Agenda Why surface contamination and poor surface preparation cause adhesion failures, defects and product recalls Best practices for developing an adhesion specification and quality control strategy Understanding ASTM standards for adhesion testing and surface cleanliness verification Real-world case studies improving bonding reliability and manufacturing quality Assessing the maturity of your surface energy management and contamination control program Using water contact angle (WCA) measurement and process monitoring tools for surface energy analysis and quality assurance Strategies for improving first-pass yield, reducing defects and accelerating troubleshooting
As modern warfare evolves towards increased speed, autonomy, and precision, the role of advanced composite materials has become more critical than ever. This webinar explores how high-performance carbon fibers and advanced composite materials enable breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, and space- based domains. Key topics include light-weighting for extended range and endurance, thermal performance, producibility, connectivity, and affordability.Drawing on recent applications in unmanned systems and higher operating temperature platforms, the discussion highlights how material selection and architecture directly influence mission effectiveness and survivability. Attendees will gain insight into emerging material technologies, manufacturing considerations, and qualification opportunities with defense applications.The session concludes with a forward-looking perspective on how composites will shape future battlefield dynamics, including increased autonomy, increased rate, and distributed systems all within rapid decision-making environments.AgendaOverview of the evolving battlefield and how advanced composite materials act as key enablersAdvancing affordable mass manufacturing for defense platforms through high-rate composite solutionsDatabase materials for accelerated, cost-effective part qualificationAdvanced material solutions engineered for structural performance, high-temperature environments, and radar transparency (low dielectric applications)
Despite the versatility of fluoropolymers in demanding, high-performance applications under harsh environments, many of them have been classified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and are facing increasing regulatory scrutiny. However, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) is outside all current regulatory definitions of PFAS due to the lack of full fluorination and the presence of hydrogen on each carbon in the backbone of the polymer. This positions PVF as a sustainable alternative to traditional fluoropolymers while retaining outstanding weatherability, durability and chemical resistance. In this talk, DuPont will review composite applications currently commonly utilizing PFAS materials and the status of PVF as a non-PFAS fluoropolymer within the regulatory landscape. DuPont will highlight PVF's exceptional surface protection and barrier properties, its compatibility with multiple composite manufacturing processes and its multifunctional use as a release film. Agenda Review of current PFAS regulations and in-scope materials Use cases for PFAS materials (films and coatings) in composite applications Non-PFAS options: range from non-fluorinated lower-performance materials to non-PFAS polyvinyl fluoride Overview: what PVF is, why it is non-PFAS and what its attributes are Real-world case studies
NDIA hosts 2026 Undersea Warfare Fall Conference on Sept. 21-23, 2026 in Groton, CT.
Taking place in conjunction with the American Society for Composites 41st Annual Technical Conference.
New this year, Top Shops Conference will expand to include CNC machining and industrial finishing. Modern Machine Shop Top Shops and Products Finishing Top Shops, Gardner Business Media’s two largest and longest running benchmarking and business improvement survey programs, will join forces to host concurrent Top Shops Conference programs. In addition to dedicated conference programming, Top Shops Conference attendees will benefit from access to several shared general sessions, keynotes, exhibit rooms and special networking events enabling these two critical manufacturing service groups – CNC machining and industrial finishing – to learn, exchange ideas and make valuable business connections.
New this year, Top Shops Conference will expand to include CNC machining and industrial finishing. Modern Machine Shop Top Shops and Products Finishing Top Shops, Gardner Business Media’s two largest and longest running benchmarking and business improvement survey programs, will join forces to host concurrent Top Shops Conference programs. In addition to dedicated conference programming, Top Shops Conference attendees will benefit from access to several shared general sessions, keynotes, exhibit rooms and special networking events enabling these two critical manufacturing service groups – CNC machining and industrial finishing – to learn, exchange ideas and make valuable business connections.
IBEX is a North American event for boatbuilders, manufacturers and suppliers looking to source innovative technology and new products. Every year it delivers a forum where the marine industry can do business, share ideas and accelerate new product development.
ACMA hosts Thermoset Resin Formulators Assn 2026 Annual Mtg on Oct. 26-28, 2026 in Cleveland, OH.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.
Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.
Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.
Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.
The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.
Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.
Global EV sales hit 20 million units in 2025, and the adjacent batteries and fuel cells industries saw equal growth, all trends shaped by composite technologies.
The industry’s workforce gap is real, decades in the making and widely felt. Researchers, educators, trainers and advocates weigh in on who may be responsible for closing it, and how.
A collaboration led by Mitsubishi Chemical developed a composite devices to match thermal conductivity of an aluminum NTN satellite heat dissipation device while reducing weight by 47%.
A surge in production and new orders lifted the index to 55.9 in August, a fresh sign of momentum for composites fabricators.
Lightning strike protection has traditionally been achieved via single sheets of metallic materials potentially compromised by paint while AFP provides a path toward tailored conductivity and connectivity plus multifunctionality.
Direct stamping and infrared welding produce a 64-ply thermoplastic wing rib that's 22% lighter than aluminum, an innovation detailed further in this ThermoForged video short and CW’s Daher’s Shap'in TechCenter plant tour.
The hybrid RoRo ship, due for 2030 delivery, will rely on three automated OceanWings composite wingsails alongside conventional propulsion to transport European launch vehicle cargo.
The NCC-led program finds recycled wind blade glass fiber can match virgin fiber’s carbon footprint if recyclers cut emissions and recover more polymer during pyrolysis.
Seven bio-based, renewable, recycled or repurposed raw composite material types were used in this mass-market vehicle, reimagining EV capabilities.
The startup’s Woodflow technology places wood fibers only where needed, enabling complex geometries and a Woodflow-core slab product that promises concrete-level strength at lighter weight and up to 75% fewer trees than mass timber.
The 50-year-old, family-owned recycler will carry forward Vartega’s rCF platform, which includes 1,000/tons of annual production capacity, for thermoplastics industry and automotive programs.
In a project between LATI, Crossen Engineering and Bloc Blinds, a fiberglass-reinforced PA6 material enabled ≈70% GWP reduction, maintained mechanical performance and 1,000+ operating cycles.
The materials, manufacturing processes, market and energy trends driving use of carbon fiber composites in global hydrogen storage applications for fuel cell-powered trucks, buses, trains and passenger vehicles.
In this resource, CGTech offers vital information about the benefits, processes, and vendors behind automated composite manufacturing.
CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
As defense and space missions push the boundaries of performance, the demand for advanced materials that can endure extreme environments and conditions continues to grow.
CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
Explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
CompositesWorld’s Tech Days: Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures is designed to provide a multi-perspective view of the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.
Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market.
Explore the latest technologies and strategies involving bonding and welding, essential processes in the assembly and manufacturing of composite materials, providing reliable methods for joining components.
During this CW Tech Days event, sponsored by Composites One, experts will offer presentations to review and evaluate the composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.
In these sessions, experts will discuss the emerging hydrogen economy and the opportunities for composites in this lucrative space.
A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.
This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.
This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.
This collection features recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
The Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) is funding 18 teams to develop aircraft capable of operating persistently in the stratosphere including Structural Solar project integrating perovskite photovoltaics onto carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP).
Source | Getty Images with AI rendering of how solar cells could be applied to power high atmosphere unmanned aircraft.
The U.K.’s Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) has committed £70 million to 18 engineering teams developing aircraft for extended stratospheric operation. The funding, announced under ARIA’s Enduring Atmospheric Platforms program and reported by The Engineer, targets aircraft able to continuously supply 300 watts of power to a communications payload for a full week while holding station above the U.K. Success would establish a new infrastructure layer between Earth and space, delivering connectivity to underserved regions in the U.K. and worldwide.
Part of the Structural Solar team, Limosaero is developing solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Source | Limosaero
One project, led by David G. Lidzey at the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, U.K.), uses carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) as a structural substrate for perovskite photovoltaics. The full team also includes members from AMRC Sheffield, solar-powered drone/UAV developer Limosaero (Cambridge, U.K.) and University of Loughborough.
The project, titled “Structural Solar: Integrating perovskite PV onto carbon fiber for high specific power,” is one of eight teams funded under Technical Area 1 (Enabling Technologies), which backs materials and power technologies intended to de-risk development of a full stratospheric platform. It aims to develop high-performance, spray-cast perovskite solar cells (PSCs) integrated onto CFRP substrates to power enduring
atmospheric platforms.
By using low-temperature, solution-processed materials, this approach targets a specific power of up to 10X photovoltaic efficiency per unit mass compared to conventional gallium arsenide (GaAs) technologies while offering disruptive cost reductions. The resulting PSC/CFRP composite panels will then be engineered to enable long-endurance, solar-powered flight by combining established manufacturing processes with innovative thin-film coatings preventing impacts from moisture infiltration.
The approach builds on Lidzey’s earlier published research combining perovskite photovoltaics with CFRP substrates. That work showed this approach produces materials with high mechanical strength that also generate electrical power. The goal is multifunctional structures that are lightweight yet provide energy-harvesting capacity in aerospace and automotive applications. Lidzey’s group has since demonstrated spray-coating perovskite cells directly onto CFRP, including curved surfaces, reaching efficiencies of about 14%.
For a high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) aircraft, embedding power generation into a load-bearing carbon fiber composite skin removes the added mass of a separate photovoltaic layer — an advantage for the endurance target of the ARIA program.
ARIA is backing a range of approaches, says Rico Chandra, program director for Enduring Atmospheric Platforms at ARIA, “from fixed-wing solar aircraft to designs nobody predicted, including aircraft that fly on spinning wings instead of propellers.” Sixteen of the 18 funded teams are based in the U.K.; two more, based in Australia and the U.S., are relocating operations to the U.K. as a result of the award.
H2 economy is set back by Trump policies, tariffs and funding pivot to defense and AI, but composite tanks remain a key segment with sales in CNG/RNG, growth in New Space and potential for H2-electric aviation.
Fully automated, Industry 4.0 line for hydrogen pressure vessels advances efficiency and versatility in small footprint for next-gen, sustainable composites production.
A new approach for high volumes of small satellite structures uses low-CTE, low-cost CFRP cellular core, robust single-ply skins and modular panel systems to cut lead time, labor and cost for reflectors, solar arrays and more.
CompositesWorld is the source for reliable news and information on what’s happening in fiber-reinforced composites manufacturing. All original technical content on our sites and in our publications is created by Gardner Business Media staff and contributing writers. About Us
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