5 Composites Megatrends in Manufacturing

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show puts a spotlight on both established and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. From CNC machining to additive manufacturing, parts cleaning and automation, the event showcases a diverse array of materials, including metals, plastics and fiber-reinforced composites.

Composites, known for their high-performance attributes, play a crucial role across various industries. They are integral to the construction of commercial and defense aircraft, spacecraft, automotive structures, wind and tidal turbine blades, sporting goods, and infrastructure and architecture projects.

Emerging trends explored at IMTS include technologies aimed at enabling electric vehicles (EVs), storage tanks supporting the burgeoning hydrogen economy, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, which promise to revolutionize urban air mobility (UAM).

Many of these megatrends involve the use of composite materials. If you work with composites or are interested in how they might be incorporated into various applications, here are a few topic areas to look out for at IMTS 2024:

Automation Solutions

A review of the IMTS Conference schedule reveals numerous presentations focused on automating manufacturing processes and the critical role of digitalization in the industry. These trends are particularly relevant in the composites sector, where burgeoning markets such as electric vehicles (EVs) and urban air mobility (UAM) are pushing for higher-volume and higher-performance production. This demand is driving an increased need for automated, digitally controlled, and tracked manufacturing processes.

Check out the IMTS Automation sector (North Building, Level 3) and don’t miss the The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) brought to you by Gardner Business Media — held Sept. 11 at IMTS.

3D Printing

In the composites industry, much like in the metals sector, 3D printing began as a faster and more cost-effective method for producing prototypes and tooling. As its applications broaden, 3D printing with composites is advancing into a variety of new areas. This includes the production of highly complex end-use parts using continuous fiber composites and the creation of large-scale molds and end-use components.

You’ll find the Additive Manufacturing sector on Level 3 of the West Building. Also, check out “3D Printing for Job Shops” presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and Moldmaking Technology on Sept. 12, part of the IMTS Elevate Job Shops conference series.

Supply Chain Trends

These days, sourcing raw materials such as carbon or glass fiber, and resins for composites manufacturing, presents significant challenges. At IMTS, attendees can participate in conference sessions and network with industry professionals to discover how other manufacturers are navigating today’s supply chain obstacles.

Post-processing

Machining continues to be a central focus at IMTS. Composites, known for their high-performance capabilities, often require specialized machining equipment for tasks such as trimming, drilling, cutting and other finishing steps.

Visit IMTS 2024’s Abrasive Machining/Sawing/Finishing (North Building, Level 3) and Fabricating & Lasers (East Building, Level 3) sectors or attend several related IMTS Conference sessions.

Quality assurance

The qualifications, standards and testing for composite materials are increasingly complex and continuously evolving. These processes are now being increasingly supplemented with advanced digital tools.

Learn more about a variety of metrology, inspection and testing equipment across industries at the IMTS Quality Assurance (East Building, Level 3) sector.