At Spartec Composites, we have more than 25 years of experience in composite manufacturing. We have worked with countless clients, taking their ideas, and turning them into tangible products. Though many of our clients have a general understanding of what composite materials are, many people are curious and want to learn more about how to manufacture composite materials.
As leaders in the composite manufacturing industry, we are here to answer your questions about the process of composite manufacturing. If you’ve ever wondered about how composites are manufactured, we have your answer. Check out our basics of composite manufacturing guide below for an overview of the composite manufacturing process. We look forward to helping you understand the benefits of composite materials and are here to assist you with every stage of your composite manufacturing process, from engineering to finished product, Spartec Composites works for you every step of the way.
What Are Composite Materials?
Composite materials are made up of two or more original materials, combining them into one material with unique properties. Some of the most common types of composite materials include carbon fibre, fibreglass, plywood and reinforced concrete. In our previous post, What are Composite Materials, we break down what you need to know about composite materials including what different types of composite materials are used for.
How Are Composite Materials Manufactured?
There are a few different ways to manufacture a composite material. The type of manufacturing used will be dependent on the makeup of the composite material itself as well as the intended use of the product. Below we outline some of the common ways we manufacture composite materials at Spartec Composites.
Resin Infusion – resin infusion, specifically Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding, is one of our specialties at Spartec Composites. In this method, composite materials are infused through a vacuum pulling in the resin, like water through a straw. This style of composite manufacturing is used in a variety of applications including aerospace components, boat hulls and vehicle body panels.
Hand Lay-up – had lay-up involves manufacturing composite materials by hand. This type of composite manufacturing allows the manufacturing of high-quality crafted products and has been used to manufacture art sculptures, horse racing helmets, hockey helmets and retail store fixtures to name a few.
Pre-Preg – pre-reg composite manifesting involves fabrics being pre-impregnated with specialized resins and frozen in a pre-cured state. This allows for detailed cutting and placement before completing the process in an oven.
Autoclave Curing – autoclave curing is an important component of the composite manufacturing process. In order to produce the highest quality laminates. At Spartec Composites, our equipment allows for up to 20 times atmospheric pressure during the cure cycle to squeeze fibre bundles tightly and optimize the process.
3D Printing – some composite manufacturing processes can utilize the precision of 3D printing to create intricate products that would be challenging to craft by hand.
Urethane Casting – Urethane casting allows for the manufacturing of composites that include plastic and rubber parts. It is ideal for projects that are not large enough for or where pre-preg composite manufacturing would not be cost-effective.
How Can I Know Which Type of Composite Manufacturing My Product Needs?
The composite manufacturing process that you use for your project will depend on a variety of factors including the scale of the project, budget and final use for the product. At Spartec Composites, we have extensive experience in composite manufacturing. From the engineering stage to fabrication, we can guide you in selecting the appropriate composite material and manufacturing method. Contact us as your preferred composite and carbon fiber manufacturing company to discuss your project and let’s get started on making your vision come to life.
