Composites

The advantage of composites is that the fibres can be place in the ideal direction to carry the loads. This, combined with their inherent light weight, results in dramatic weight saving possibilities. Another benefit of using composite materials in design is that complex shape parts can often be made in a single moulding, reducing the need for assembly and mechanical fastening operations.

Composites, in particular high performance composites such as those containing carbon fibres, are generally perceived to be expensive, time consuming to make, and difficult to joint.  Therefore, overcoming these problems is the main challenge to their more widespread acceptance.  Even the aerospace industry, like automotive, is facing the challenge of rapid processing of composite parts and structures, and there is a clear demand for rapid manufacturing processes. Although near net shape production is possible, there is still the need to join composites to themselves and other materials.  As they become more widespread, problems with joining composites and the necessary surface preparation are becoming more important.  Recycling is also becoming more of a challenge as composites find themselves being used more in renewable energy applications and automobiles.