The F-22 Raptor, a stealth fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin, first flown in 1997. Titanium alloy (principally grade 5, Ti 6-4) makes up around one-third of the aircraft. Hot isostatic pressing was utilised on large cast parts, such as the canopy deck and wing side-of-body, to minimise porosity and so enhance strength to weight and reliability. Around 350 parts, one-quarter of the aircraft by weight, is made up of resin transfer moulded (RTM) carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composite. High performance carbon fibres are used, such as T700 for lower cost parts, T800 for higher strength parts and T1000 for ultrahigh strength applications. Examples include the fuselage frame, doors, wing spars and honeycomb sandwich panels. Advanced RTM resin systems for these type of applications include epoxy and bismaleimide. The canopy consists of two sheets of polycarbonate (PC), sandwiched between two layers of glass, fusion bonded in an autoclave and drape formed. Indium-tin-oxide is vacuum deposited onto the canopy to reflect radar waves (scatters radio waves in various directions so as not to be detected by radar), which gives it a golden colour tint. Image Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Cross-section through the detachable roof modules of the Ford Bronco. This part is made with a thermoformed thermoplastic outer layer, which is back-moulded with glass fibre and polyurethane resin (PUR), plus a Nomex honeycomb core for increased thickness (stiffness with minimal additional weight). It is manufactured by compression moulding, whereby the thermoformed polycarbonate (PC) is placed into the mould, onto which glass fibre and honeycomb are laid. A precise dose of PUR is applied by spraying on the layers and then the whole assembly is compressed in a mould and heated to cure.

Cross-section through a concept automotive seat by Johnson Controls and Camisma, manufactured with a combination of thermoforming and injection moulding. Sheets of continuous and unidirectional 12k carbon fibre and in-situ cast PA12 are combined with powder impregnated PA12 nonwoven recycled carbon fibre. They are placed into the mould and thermoformed, prior to back injection moulding of the rib structure using 30% long glass fibre filled PA12. Compared to a steel equivalent this structure saves 50% of the weight.

Concept automotive seat by Johnson Controls and Camisma, manufactured with a combination of thermoforming and injection moulding. Sheets of continuous and unidirectional 12k carbon fibre and in-situ cast PA12 are combined with powder impregnated PA12 nonwoven recycled carbon fibre. They are placed into the mould and thermoformed, prior to back injection moulding of the rib structure using 30% long glass fibre filled PA12. Compared to a steel equivalent this structure saves 50% of the weight.