CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/944580
MARCH 2018 28 CompositesWorld MARKET OUTLOOK 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 Process automation Design and process simulation Adhesive bonding Out-of-autoclave processes Additive manufacturing/3D printing Aerospace Closed molding (RTM/infusion) Thermoplastic composites Preforming Industry 4.0/IoT Automotive composites expect equipment investment to remain unchanged. In fact, respondents indicated that about 10% of gross sales revenue was spent on new manufacturing equipment in 2017. We also asked respondents to look at emerging technologies and agree or disagree that use of them at their facility will increase over the next two years — 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree. e graph in Fig. 8, above, shows the average rating (character- ized as "intent") for each technology category. Not surprisingly, process automation, design/process simulation and adhesive bonding top the "agree" list, followed by out-of-autoclave, 3D printing, aerospace composites, closed molding, thermoplastics, preforming, Industry 4.0 and automotive composites. ere is, however, a story within this data. Responses to our query about aerospace composites intent were highly polar- ized, with 29% each strongly agreeing and disagreeing that use would increase at their facilities, which might reflect the fact that aerocomposites manufacturing can be highly lucrative, but also very challenging. Responses regarding automotive composites intent, however, were more clear: 62% either disagreed or strongly disagreed. is might be symptomatic of widespread uncertainty regarding the potential of composites use in high-volume vehicles. Responses regarding 3D printing intent, on the other hand, were more evenly distributed, with 20% each rating it 1, 3, 4 or 5. CW will conduct this Operations Survey again in late 2018, with data reported in 2019. If you have suggestions for other types of information the survey might seek, please contact CW editor Jeff Sloan at jeff@compositesworld.com. Jeff Sloan is editor-in-chief of CompositesWorld, and has been engaged in plastics- and composites-industry journalism for 23 years. jeff@compositesworld.com FIG. 8 In the next 2 years, your facility will do more with ... EnableX™, from Norplex-Micarta, allows conƟnuous fiber pre-preg to be co-cured in a single step, mulƟ-material, molding system to produce near net shapes. Building upon the predictability of conƟnuous fiber reinforced pre-preg, EnableX™ materials are: • Specifically designed for compression molding • Tested to ensure compaƟbility • Supported by our team of applicaƟon engineers, backed with our in-house laboratory and material development capabiliƟes norplex-micarta.com 563-864-7328 Learn more about EnableX™ during our Webinar March 13 at 2 pm EST Register now at: www.compositesworld.com/webinar www.wabashmpi.com Tel: 260-563-1184 wabashmpi@acscorporate.com Wabash MPI produces a wide range of hydraulic presses for com- pression molding in composites applications. We offer standard and custom designs from 15-1000 tons with various heated platen sizes and control options. Visit our website to learn more. Wabash, The Leader in Composites Molding ISO 9001:2015 Certifi ed 400 Tons Down-acting, 120" x 60" Platens