National Composites Week (NCW) is recognized every year during the last week of August to celebrate composite materials and composites manufacturing. The third annual NCW takes place the week of August 23-27, 2021. The goal of this week is to build awareness of the ways in which composite materials and composites manufacturing contribute to the products and structures that shape our country. Read more to learn about the significance and importance of composite materials and manufacturing.
What are Composites?
A composite is a material that is made from two or more different materials that, when combined, are stronger than those individual materials by themselves. Composites are often stronger, more lightweight, more durable, more flexible, and more corrosion-resistant than a variety of other materials. Simply, composites solve problems, boost performance and enable the development of new innovative technologies.
How do Composites Compare to Other Materials?
Composites are gaining traction in the automotive and architectural industries because they offer a variety of benefits over other materials. When compared to:
- Steel: Composites are lighter, nonconductive, incredibly strong, corrosion-resistant, and allow for parts consolidation.
- Aluminum: Composites absorb vibrations, can handle tension, are strong yet flexible, and allow for one-piece designs and precise weight distribution.
- Granite: Composites are non-porous, inexpensive, easy-to-maintain, heat resistant, and offer endless appearance options.
- Wood: Composites are longer-lasting, low maintenance, easy to transport and install, dimensionally stable, and resistant to pests.
Recognizing the Composites Industry on National Composites Week
At French, we celebrate National Composites Week with each day of the week focused on a different component of what makes the composites industry important:
- Monday: Composites Make Life Longer — medical and health.
- Tuesday: Composites Make Life Fun — marine, sporting goods, and recreational vehicles.
- Wednesday: Composites Make Lifelong Careers — workforce development.
- Thursday: Composites Make Life Take Flight — aerospace, advanced air mobility (AAM), and space.
- Friday: Composites Make Life Better — infrastructure, construction, automotive, and future innovation.
The composites industry is dynamic and creative, so French is proud to design and engineer custom hydraulic presses that help composite component manufacturers create durable, dependable products that enhance the lives of their customers.
Hydraulic Presses for Composite Molding Applications
In order to be competitive in the ever-growing and changing composites industry, you need equipment built with high standards for advanced technology and quality. Contact us for more information about our hydraulic press molding solutions for composite press applications. They improve productivity by reducing or eliminating scrap and costly, time-consuming, post-press finishing operations.