Hello and welcome to Automated Dynamics' Composite Learning Center.  Automated Dynamics has been a leader in the design and fabrication of composite structures and processing equipment for nearly 30 years.  The goal of this site is to give you a general overview of composite technology including materials, characteristics and processing methods.  Each link on the tree below will take you to a brief paper on that subject.

If you have any additional questions about these topics, please feel free to contact Automated Dynamics by calling us or clicking on the contact link to the right.

Thank you for visiting.

Learning Center Outline:

I.       Composite Basics:

A.      What is a composite?

B.      What are the differences between thermoplastics and thermosets?

II.     Thermoplastic Composite Basics:

A.      What types of matrices are available and how do you select one?

B.      What types of fibers are available and how do you select one?

C.      What are the different types of thermoplastic composites?

1.       Short fiber reinforced

2.       Long fiber reinforced

3.       Continuous fiber reinforced

4.       What are the advantages and disadvantages of these different types of thermoplastic composites?

D.      How do you determine how much fiber is present in the composite?

E.       What are the different processing methods for thermoplastic composites?

1.       Advanced Fiber Placement (AFP)

2.       Pultrusion

3.       Extrusion

4.       Injection Molding

5.       Autoclave/Press Processing

6.       Developmental Processes

i.       Laser Processing of Thermoplastic Composite

ii.      Ultrasonic Processing of Thermoplastic Composite

iii.     Pulse Detonation Processing of Thermoplastic Composite