The main advantages of carbon fibers compared to other fibers are the high tensile strength, strength to weight ratio, high stiffness, and high chemical resistance. Furthermore, the composition of carbon fiber allows it to maintain its integrity under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure, proving to be useful with all types of matrices.
There are several other advantages when using advance composites that are overlooked across the board. Composite Builders has redirect customers when forming complex structures, taking advantage of composite tooling capabilities. When using composites many small parts can be bonded into a monolithic structure, which reduces the number of parts when making a given component and, incidentally, for fasteners and joints. Fasteners and joints create a stress-point, causing a weak part of a component. Producing a single complex structure also reduces a company’s inventory and assembly cost, and shipping and handling weight.
The aerospace industry is a leader in the applications for advanced composite structures, and is described by Airbus as shaping the future of the industry. Through vigorous testing, both Airbus and Boeing have successfully found that advance composites, particularly carbon fiber pre-pregs, have mechanical properties resulting in high stiffness, strength, fracture toughness, fatigue endurance, and corrosion resistance. The requirements from these high performing composites must be durable for the life of the aircraft, tolerating external damage and adverse conditions. These advance composites not only outperform its predecessor, aluminum alloy, as a non-corroding, non-oxidizing material, but it has reduced weight in the aircraft allowing them to carry more passengers and save on fuel consumption.
To guarantee success, producing 100% quality parts is our objective. We maintain a high standard of operations; delivering a framework for consistent performance, reliable service and long-term continuous improvements. We work closely with our customers and are adaptable to meet their growing needs. Through this business relationship of success, Composite Builders looks forward to Firefly’s triumphs as they continue to advance the in-space travel.
In the Marine Industry, carbon fiber has been regarded as a miracle material. Both motor yachts and sailing vessels are being built with carbon fiber, allowing rapid acceleration, and an increase in speed and range with less power. Using advanced composites in the marine industry is not new, however, due to the lightweight and high performing properties, the advancements made with the capabilities of carbon fiber are pushing designs to a new level. In 2010 the victorious Americas Cup Team, Oracle Racing, built the largest carbon fiber wing in the world. It had a rotating forward spar with nine trailing individually operating flaps used to induce camber and twist. The righting moment (static stability) was over 200 metric tons. The racing yacht was larger than an NBL baseball diamond, measuring at 115’ L and 90’ W, with the yacht weighing around 16 tons, and sailed three times faster than its true wind speed. None of this would be possible without the use of advanced composite materials like intermediate and high modulus carbon fiber over a honeycomb core. In 2013 further advancements were made with lightweight, high load tolerance composite hydrofoils which allowed the Americas Cup racing yachts to “fly” over the water. When airborne the hydrofoil vessels were capable of speeds of up to 50 miles an hour with a foil load tolerance of 50 tons. High performing composites, with advancements in extreme engineering, are helping drive the marine industry to smoother and faster heights.
For the Auto industry, lightweighting is one of the biggest challenges for manufacturers. Engineers are put to the task of incorporating into a lightweight vehicle; new safety regulations, heavy lithium-ion batteries, and new technical add-on features like rear cameras and safety breaks. The new safety and comfort technology adds weight back into the vehicle. To counterbalance this mass add-back, manufacturers look for ways to shave off weight without losing strength and durability.
Research and development studies prove that carbon fiber outperforms aluminum by being lighter, impact-resistant, high heat tolerant, and does not rust or corrode. According to Business Wire; “Carbon fibers are highly preferred materials for automotive applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio than metals, … 50% lighter than aluminum, and 5 times lighter than steel”. The benefits of carbon fibers effect fuel efficiency in acceleration and longer range of travel, and improves agility, maneuverability, and vehicle safety.
Additional cost savings come from reduced shipping weight of parts, and easier handling in assembly. As the cost of carbon fiber comes down, and recyclable carbon fiber thermoplastic prepregs are available, advanced composites are no longer just for high-performance race and sports cars. Carbon-fiber is being used more on mass-produced vehicles, such as Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series sedans and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.
According to Composite World, “the use of lightweight and high-performance materials in sports equipment continues to increase… which exists in a range of products including surfboards, skis and snowboards, bicycles, rackets, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and fishing rods”. There is no question why sports and leisure equipment would have the high performing matrix of carbon fibers in their products; it gives them the leading edge in competition, improves the end-user experience, and is more reliable in its durability.
Advanced composites in sport equipment has upgraded the whole experience for the consumer. For example, Composite Builder’s all carbon fiber paddleboard outperformed the top racing paddleboards with rapid acceleration and rotation, and with equal to less propulsion. The advantage of having such lightweight gear, such as our paddleboard, is not just in the end-user’s performance but also in their full experience of the equipment. Transporting and handling bulky and cumbersome equipment has never been easier. Carbon fiber, with its strength and lightweight qualities, also has attributed to the improvements for activities like backpacking as ultra-light equipment becomes more available.
Automation of Travel Travel is changing on a global scale. In every area related to travel, especially in mobility, industries are striving to become more efficient, automated, and environmentally friendly. Despite the lack of heavy
Foiling Catamaran Composite Builders is proud to announce their involvement in the development and manufacturing of Foilborne Boatworks 40’ powerboat. The Foilborne 40’, designed by Morelli and Melvin is a powerful and spacious foil assisted
Boat Building in Holland When the Stars and Stripes (S&S) America’s Cup Racing Team’s project manager came to tour Composite Builder’s facility, he was inspired to see the extra support available in Holland township. An
Advanced Composites The use of advanced composites is a rising trend for a range of industries around the world. Industries are leaning towards enhanced performances in their structures; to be lighter, faster, stronger, and more