Call for Abstracts: CW Tech Days to Explore Thermoplastic Composites in High-Rate Aerospace Manufacturing
CompositesWorld announced its next CW Tech Days will focus on thermoplastic composite solutions for aerospace structures, scheduled for June 24, 2026 at 11 a.m. ET. The virtual event will explore high‑rate manufacturing technologies such as oversized presses, in‑situ AFP, injection overmolding, and advanced welding, targeting commercial, defense and advanced air mobility markets. A call for abstracts invites material and equipment suppliers to submit 150‑word proposals by May 4, 2026, with selected presentations added to the agenda. The initiative reflects growing demand for faster, scalable, and recyclable composite production.
Composites Innovation Event Spotlights Composites for Challenging Environments
The Composites Innovation Event returns to the Netherlands on May 20‑21, 2026, showcasing aerospace‑derived composite solutions for demanding sectors such as space launchers, hydrogen storage, and safety‑critical structures. The program includes keynotes, technical sessions, and tours at the Royal NLR aerospace...
Haddy Demonstrates Agile LFAM Production with LPUSV Maritime Project
Haddy Manufacturing used its large‑format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process to 3D‑print the hull of HavocAI’s low‑profile unmanned surface vehicle (LPUSV) in just nine days, moving the vessel from concept to sea trial at unprecedented speed. The hull combines recycled polycarbonate...
Swiss Researchers Develop Matrix First Concept for 3D Printed Continuous Fiber Ceramic Structures
Swiss researchers at SUPSI and Spain’s Reinforce3D have unveiled "Matrix First," a manufacturing method that designs internal channels within 3D‑printed ceramic parts for continuous carbon‑fiber reinforcement. The workflow combines laser powder‑bed fusion of a polyamide precursor, ceramic conversion, and simultaneous...
Advanced Carbons Council 2026 Report Maps Global Graphene Industry
The Advanced Carbons Council (ACC) has published its 2026 Graphene Report, mapping the global graphene industry with 194 verified company profiles and strategic market analysis. The report covers production methods, pricing dynamics, applications across all graphene forms, and standards such...
Beyond Gravity Composites Expertise Aid NASA Artemis II Mission
Beyond Gravity, a Swiss carbon‑fiber specialist, is supplying critical hardware for NASA’s Artemis II mission. The firm will deliver the universal stage adapter that connects the Space Launch System to the European Service Module, a 9.9‑meter‑tall structure slated for first use...
Airbus Doubles Down in India with Bengaluru Technology Center
Airbus inaugurated an 880,000‑square‑foot technology centre in Bengaluru on March 6, creating a new hub for engineering, digital transformation, customer services and procurement that can accommodate roughly 5,000 staff. The centre reinforces Airbus’s “Make in India” strategy and expands its role...
Avel Robotics Accelerates Aerospace Development with Bordeaux Location, Ongoing Activity Diversification
Avel Robotics, a French specialist in automated fiber placement, opened a commercial office in Bordeaux in January 2026 to sit closer to key aerospace and space players. The move follows the signing of new aerospace contracts, notably a development deal...
NETZSCH Launches AI-Powered Polymer Qualification Tool for Recyclate Quality Control
NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing has launched Proteus Now Quantify, an AI‑driven software that turns a single differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) run into a quantitative polymer composition report. Trained on calibrated polyolefin blends, the tool can identify PP, HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE and...
Wemech BladeScanner Concept Shifts Composites NDT Toward Standardized, Data-Supported Workflows
Wemech S.r.l., the Italian robotics and engineering spin‑off of Meccanica Besnatese, has kicked off an experimental program to apply acoustic analysis for nondestructive testing of composite airfoil components. The initiative leverages the BladeScanner platform, protected by U.S. Patent 12,391,407 and...
RDW Approves PAL-V as Certified Automotive Manufacturer
The Dutch vehicle authority RDW granted PAL‑V an Initial Assessment, officially recognizing it as a certified automotive manufacturer and clearing the way for type‑certified, road‑legal production of its FlyDrive flying‑car platform. The approval satisfies European Conformity of Production requirements and...
GT Wings Secures Momentum Across Maritime Sector
GT Wings is moving its AirWing Jet Sail wind‑assisted propulsion from demo to commercial deployment. The company secured Lloyd’s Register verification of its performance methodology, announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with China’s Zunsion Technology, joined the INTERCARGO association, and landed...
Wind Builds Clean Energy Potential Across Asia’s Economic Landscape
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) reports that Asia’s offshore wind sector is accelerating toward parity with Europe by 2030. Japan commissioned its largest offshore wind farm, Hibikinada, in March 2026 and deepened industry coordination through a new MOU with...
GE Carbon Fiber Composites Are Ready for the GEX9 Aeroengine
GE Aerospace announced that its next‑generation GE9X engine, destined for Boeing's 777X, is ready to move from testing to operational service. The engine relies on carbon‑fiber composite fan blades and a composite containment case, technologies refined over 300 million flight hours...
Vulcan Shield Global Partners with Nanyang Technological University to Advance FRP, MMC Materials
Vulcan Shield Global (VSG) has teamed up with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University to co‑develop high‑performance alumina‑fiber reinforced polymers and metal matrix composites for aerospace, electronics and industrial uses. The partnership will pursue new processing methods, extensive testing and joint IP...
2026 Top Shops Deadline Extended Until April 10
CompositesWorld has extended the deadline for its 2026 Top Shops Benchmarking Survey to April 10, giving participants an extra two weeks to complete the core questionnaire by March 31. Respondents who finish the core survey receive a customized benchmarking report, earn Top...
MC Tech Days: Materials and Processes for High-Rate Aerospace Manufacturing
The MC Tech Days virtual workshop on April 22 will showcase high‑rate aerospace manufacturing tools and processes, featuring sponsors Toray Group and Composites One and presenters from leading material and aerospace firms. Meanwhile, Avel Robotics of France signed a development contract...
Hedera Vertical Garden System Wins 2026 SMC BMC Design Award
The Hedera vertical garden system, created by Lucía Bonmatí and Bernat Rucabado of Elisava, captured the Gold award at the fifth‑edition SMC BMC Design Awards during JEC World 2026. Hedera is a lightweight, modular façade solution designed for industrial-scale production...
Arceon Materials Demonstrate Near-Zero Structural Degradation in AFRL High-Heat Torch Testing
Arceon B.V. successfully completed AFRL oxyacetylene torch testing of three Carbeon carbon ceramic composite samples, in partnership with Moog Inc. The materials endured sustained heat flux above 1200 °C in steady‑state and cyclic loading without meaningful structural degradation. Post‑test measurements showed...
Vertical Aerospace Launches Valo Battery Pilot Production Line, Positive Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results
Vertical Aerospace has put into operation a 15,000‑square‑foot battery pilot production line at its Vertical Energy Centre (VEC), featuring automated aerospace‑grade manufacturing that delivered up to 1.4 MW of peak power during flight tests. The line will assemble battery packs for...
Swancor, Ban Mao Green Coating Turn Composites Waste Into Lightweight Construction Materials
Swancor Regener teamed with Taiwan’s Ban Mao Green Coating to launch Eco‑Stone, a construction‑grade panel made from recycled wind‑turbine carbon‑fiber prepreg waste. The product uses Swancor’s CleaVER chemical recycling process to convert degraded fibers into high‑purity oligomers, achieving an 11%...
EuCIA Welcomes Latvian Composite Materials Association as New Member
The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) announced that the Latvian Composite Materials Association (LKMA) has become its newest member, extending EuCIA’s representation to 85% of the European composites market. LKMA, founded in 2024, aims to boost Latvia’s export capacity and...
3M Supports JetZero with Funding, Materials Expertise for Z4 Blended Wing Body Aircraft
3M announced a strategic investment and material‑science partnership with JetZero as the startup advances its Z4 blended‑wing‑body (BWB) commercial aircraft. The Z4 promises up to a 50% reduction in fuel burn by integrating wing and fuselage into a single aerodynamic...
RUAG International Sets Strategic Course for Space-Focused Future Amid Short-Term Earnings Impact
RUAG International’s 2025 fiscal year saw net sales dip to CHF 412 million (~$521 million) while earnings before interest and taxes fell to a loss of CHF 114 million (~$145 million) due to high engineering costs in its Launchers division and one‑off transformation expenses. The company...
GE Aerospace Commits $1 Billion to U.S. Manufacturing Growth for Second Consecutive Year
GE Aerospace announced a second consecutive $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing for 2026, targeting both commercial and defense engine production. The plan includes hiring 5,000 additional workers, bringing total new hires to 10,000 since 2025. Over $275 million will upgrade defense...
Sallea Extends Salt-Based Templating Technology to Advanced Composites Manufacturing
Swiss spin‑off Sallea is extending its proprietary salt‑based templating platform from biomanufacturing to advanced composites and high‑performance materials. The process creates water‑soluble salt cores that act as temporary molds, allowing intricate internal geometries that are later dissolved away. It works...
Umoe Starts Large-Scale Type 4 Cylinder Production in China, First Global H2 Project Deliveries
Umoe Advanced Composites has launched industrial‑scale production of Type 4 composite cylinders at its new 12,000‑sqm Jiaxing plant in China, the company’s largest global manufacturing base. The facility can produce up to 20,000 cylinders a year, effectively tripling UAC’s worldwide capacity...
Vericut CNC Software Powers Formula 1 Component Precision
Vericut’s CNC simulation software is now a core tool for Formula 1 teams, enabling engineers to verify and optimize complex composite and metal parts before they hit the shop floor. The platform creates digital twins of machines, detects collisions, and validates...
Submit to CW Top Shops 2026 Before March 31
CompositesWorld is launching its 2026 Top Shops Benchmarking Survey, requiring participants to complete a core set of questions by March 31, 2026. Respondents will receive a customized benchmarking report, qualify for Top Shops status, and gain honoree recognition. After the core survey,...
ATC Manufacturing, U.S. Air Force Contract Grows Larger-Scale, High-Rate TPC Capabilities
ATC Manufacturing secured a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory contract to develop a large‑format hydraulic press capable of high‑rate thermoplastic composite (TPC) processing for parts up to 10 ft × 5 ft. The program, partnered with Anduril Industries and Toray Advanced Composites, aims to...
Joby 2025 Financial Results Show Strong Liquidity, Supporting Near-Term eVTOL Launch Plans
Joby Aviation posted FY 2025 results showing $53.4 million revenue and a $929.8 million net loss, but retained roughly $1.41 billion in cash and short‑term investments. The company logged an 18‑point jump in FAA certification progress and announced its first passenger flights will occur...
Laser Tech Investment Builds up Web Industries’ Denton Production Capacity
Web Industries Inc. is installing high‑precision laser cutting equipment at its Denton, Texas plant, dramatically increasing throughput for flexible composite materials. The upgrade targets fast‑paced markets such as consumer goods, technical textiles, aeronautics and space, delivering Tier 1 quality and reduced...
Composites Sustainability Wins: ISO 14001 Certification, Platinum EcoVadis Rating, Emissions Reports
Exel Composites earned ISO 14001 certification for its Erlanger, Kentucky plant, cementing its environmental management system across waste and energy initiatives. Polestar disclosed the full cradle‑to‑gate carbon footprint of the Polestar 5, highlighting recycled aluminum and renewable‑powered production that cut emissions...
Factory III Moves iCOMAT Capabilities Into the U.S.
iCOMAT has opened a 41,000‑square‑foot Factory III in Dayton, Ohio, bringing its patented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) technology and end‑to‑end composites capabilities to the U.S. defense and aerospace market. At the same time, Austrian aerospace supplier FACC is investing £120 million in...
Coexpair to Fabricate, Demonstrate and Test Lockheed F-35 Composite Parts Using SQRTM 4.0
Coexpair and Lockheed Martin have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop, demonstrate, and test composite parts for the F‑35 using Coexpair’s SQRTM 4.0 technology. The partnership will follow a phased approach, with Lockheed providing process‑qualification support while Coexpair builds and...
UkieCarbon Completes One-Off Carbon Fiber Interior Project for 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
UkieCarbon finished a four‑month, one‑off interior overhaul for a 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Track Pack, replacing exposed factory plastics with premium Alcantara panels, red‑leather Recaro seats, and extensive forged carbon‑fiber trim. The project rebuilt door panels, pillars, roof liner,...
Bell Completes Critical Design Review on DARPA SPRINT X-Plane Program
Bell Textron announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review for DARPA’s SPRINT X‑plane program on March 9, clearing the path to build the X‑76 demonstrator. The milestone follows Bell’s Phase 2 down‑selection and integrates Swift Engineering’s composite‑fuselage expertise. The X‑76...
Archer Aviation Q4, Fiscal Year 2025 Results Confirm On-Track U.S., UAE Midnight Pilot Programs for 2026
Archer Aviation reported a Q4 2025 net loss of $188.9 million and a full‑year loss of $618.2 million, while ending the year with a record $2 billion liquidity cushion. The company confirmed its Midnight eVTOL fleet is on schedule for piloted flights in...
EHang Posts Record Q4 Revenue, First GAAP Profit as EH216-S Commercial Launch Nears
Chinese advanced‑air‑mobility firm EHang posted record Q4 revenue and its first GAAP profit, driven by 100 eVTOL deliveries—including 95 EH216 units and five VT35s. Total Q4 revenue rose 48% year‑over‑year to RMB 243.8 million, while net income turned positive at RMB 10.5 million. The...
EU Innovation Fund Scales PaperShell Biocomposite Industrial Capacity
PaperShell, a Swedish biocomposite maker, secured a €40.3 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund to expand its production capacity. The €83 million project will enlarge its Tibro factory to 15,600 m², targeting an annual output of roughly 23,000 tonnes by 2030. Using kraft‑paper...
AFD Systems Explores AM Polymer Options for ORCA Subsea Cabin Fit-Outs
AFD Systems has teamed with marine specialist ORCA to design advanced subsea cabin fit‑outs using additive‑manufactured polymer components. The joint venture will conduct rigorous material‑processing tests, focusing on carbon‑fiber‑reinforced polymers, to prove durability in harsh underwater conditions. Successful validation will...
Chemical Concepts Expands U.S. Reach, Composite-Adjacent Portfolio with Perigee Direct Acquisition
Chemical Concepts, a Pennsylvania‑based supplier for composite‑heavy industries, has completed the acquisition of Texas‑based Perigee Direct. The deal adds Perigee’s 19‑year specialty consumables portfolio—including marine resins, honeycomb epoxies, and precision dispensing equipment—to Chemical Concepts’ adhesive and bonding solutions. It also...
CW Issues Call for Speakers for Carbon Fiber 2026
CompositesWorld and Gardner Business Media have opened abstract submissions for the Carbon Fiber 2026 conference, scheduled for November 10‑12 in Huntsville, Alabama. The call seeks presentations covering aerospace, defense, hypersonics, space, advanced air mobility, as well as industrial sectors such...
America Makes Awards UDRI $450K for AACAMS Project Call
America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining selected the University of Dayton Research Institute to receive a $450,000 award from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. The funding supports the Affordable and Agile...
ICOMAT Establishes Factory II to Grow Composites Processing Capacity
Daher announced the launch of Factory II to scale up its up‑cycling of thermoplastic composite (TPC) materials. The new line will convert 100 % of pure carbon polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) scrap into semi‑finished pellets containing 56 % carbon fiber, achieving a capacity of...
Southern Spars Five-Axis Investment Accelerates Composites Manufacturing Capabilities
Southern Spars has installed a five‑axis CNC machining center at its Auckland plant, complemented by a custom mast feeding system that can handle components up to 50 meters long. The new equipment cuts machining cycles from weeks to days, enabling faster...
Takase Kanageta Selects Plataine to Scale Production Scheduling Across Multi-Plant Operations
Takase Kanagata, a Japanese precision‑manufacturing firm, has chosen Plataine’s AI‑powered Production Scheduler, delivered with Argosy Japan Aerospace Materials, to support its 2030 Digital Factory and Industry 4.0 roadmap. The solution will enable Takase to scale production scheduling across multiple plants while...
Ampelmann Pioneers Composite Telescopic Boom for Offshore Access Systems
Amsterdam‑based Ampelmann has unveiled the industry’s first composite telescopic boom for offshore gangways, developed with Solico, Rondal and Vuyk. The CFRP‑sandwich boom, produced via a one‑shot cure, is 30 % lighter than a comparable steel boom while meeting Lloyd’s Register certification....
Anemoi White Paper Calls for Greater Alignment in Wind Propulsion Performance Verification
Anemoi Marine Technologies and Lloyd’s Register released a white paper urging alignment of three performance verification methodologies for wind‑assisted propulsion systems (WAPS). The study shows that ITTC sea‑trial guidelines, DNV’s in‑service testing practice, and Anemoi’s LR‑verified calibration model are complementary...
Reinforce3D Partners with Impac Systems Engineering to Accelerate CFIP Adoption in North America
Reinforce3D has teamed up with Impac Systems Engineering to fast‑track the rollout of its continuous‑fiber injection process (CFIP) across the United States, Canada and Mexico, promising internal reinforcement without part redesign or extra material. The partnership targets high‑performance sectors such...
