Have you heard about composite materials but aren’t quite sure what a composite material actually is? In the most basic sense, a composite material is a material that has been fabricated to combine two or more materials with different properties that combine while still having the components of the original materials stay intact. Many types of composite materials exist and some of the most common types of composite materials include carbon fiber and fiberglass.
At Spartec Composites, we have operated in the business of composites for more than 40 years. We serve high-profile clients from around the world, manufacturing composite materials for a wide range of industries. In this article, we will help you to understand what composite materials are, and give you examples of what they can be used for.
What Are Some Examples of Composite Materials?
Composite materials can come in many forms. Though carbon fiber is a popular and versatile composite material it is not the only one commonly used. Some other types of composite materials include reinforced concrete, plywood, reinforced plastics, metal matrix composites and other advanced composite materials.
Composite materials are not limited to only one type and therefore are suitable in a wide range of scenarios through different applications. Some of the common types of composite materials that we work with include fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) composite, and prepreg carbon fiber. If you are unsure which type of composite material would be best suited for your project, contact us. We offer comprehensive services for every stage of the composite fabrication process including composite engineering and carbon fiber manufacturing for unique projects.
What Are Composite Materials Used for?
Composites are used every day in a wide variety of applications. When a product needs a high-performing material that is both strong and lightweight, carbon fibers are typically the top choice. Though carbon fiber is not inexpensive, it is a quality material that offers impressive performance for a wide range of applications.
Automotive Component Manufacturing – within the automotive industry advanced composites can be utilized to boost efficiencies through aerodynamics. Our FritoLay Sprinter case study is one example of how composite materials can be used to save energy through advanced engineering and expert manufacturing of composite materials.
Aerospace Industry – did you know that in newly built aircraft nearly 50% of the parts are manufactured with composite materials? Components of aircraft are frequently composite based due to the material being high performing and incredibly strong.
Sporting Industry – another interesting application for composite materials is in the sporting industry. Much sporting equipment is made from composite materials such as carbon fiber as it offers a strong yet lightweight solution for many applications. A common use for composites in sports includes carbon fiber hockey sticks and all types of helmets.
When it comes to composite materials there truly are endless applications. If you are looking to utilize a composite material for your project we would be pleased to assist you. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer and about why choosing composite materials can be the optimal choice for your project.
