Lightweight automotive constructions essentially propel the evolution of thermoplastic composites. The generic aim is to cost-efficiently manufacture components with excellent mechanical properties at a low weight. Unidirectional tapes help to achieve this aim while expanding their area of application. But there is still room for improvement. Ticona, for example, is involved in a study exploring how a specially adapted manufacturing method may combine various semifinished products of glass fiber reinforced unidirectional tapes with a D-LFT composite material. One outcome is a mechanically optimized vehicle underbody evidencing an economically efficient manufacturing method that provides much freedom of design.

Creative Composites has officially opened a new state-of-the-art quality laboratory at its manufacturing facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Olympus NDT introduce the handheld 45MG ultrasonic thickness gage - an advanced small-sized thickness gage packed with measurement features and software options.