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.
Relevant materials
Technical ceramic, PVD, CVD, Coating, Vacuum deposition Polycarbonate (PC), PC-HT, Engineering plastic, High temperature Float glass, Sheet glass, Chemically strengthened Carbon fibre (CF), T700, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 6K, 12K and 24K tow Carbon fibre (CF), T800, Intermediate modulus (IM), 6K, 12K and 24K tow Carbon fibre (CF), T1000, Intermediate modulus (IM), 12K tow Epoxy, EP, Resin Titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Titanium alloy, Grade 5, Ti 6-4
More
Aerospace, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Isostatic pressed, Metal, Super fibre, Technical ceramic, Titanium, Vacuum deposition
Light Light Chair, designed by Alberto Meda for Alias, 1987, is manufactured with Nomex honeycomb core sandwiched between layers of unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced epoxy. Weight is c. 1 kg. Image Alberto Meda.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Alberto Meda, Alias, Carbon fibre, Chair, Composite, Epoxy, Furniture, Honeycomb, Nomex, Super fibre, Unidirectional
Polymer concrete terrazzo with coloured marble shards.
Relevant materials
Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), PC, Polymer concrete
More
Architecture, Cement Concrete, Cladding, Epoxy, Floor, Interior, Plastic
The Lotus x Hope HB.T 2020 Team GB Tokyo Olympic carbon fibre composite track bike. A range of carbon fibres are used, from standard to ultra high modulus, depending on the requirements of each specific part of the frame and assembly. Epoxy provides the strongest matrix. The headset and handlebars, as well as other components, are 3D printed titanium (Ti-6Al-4V). In collaboration with Lotus Engineering, Renishaw 3D printed the parts throughout the development process using aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg), enabling the quick turnaround of design changes. Using carbon fibre for these parts is significantly slower and more restricted, because new moulds are required each time a change is made. With 3D printing, the components can be outputted directly from the updated CAD file.
Relevant materials
Titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Titanium alloy, Grade 5, Ti 6-4 Carbon fibre (CF), T300, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K tow Carbon fibre (CF), T800, Intermediate modulus (IM), 6K, 12K and 24K tow Carbon fibre (CF), T1000, Intermediate modulus (IM), 12K tow Carbon fibre (CF), M35J, M40J, M46J, High modulus (HM) Carbon fibre (CF), M55J, M60J, Ultra high modulus (UHM) Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
3D print, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Lotus, Metal, Prototype, Sports, Super fibre, Titanium, Transport
Reusable silicone membrane for low-pressure moulding onto a single-sided carbon fibre epoxy mould, manufactured by Krempel Group
Relevant materials
Silicone, Elastomer, Polysiloxane
More
Automotive, Carbon fibre, Composite, Compression moulded, Elastomer, Epoxy, Krempel Group, Silicone, Sports, Transport
Jute fibre-reinforced epoxy, produced by Bcomp, compression moulded in a single step with nonwoven jute core.
Relevant materials
Epoxy, EP, Resin Jute fibre, Fibre
More
Automotive, Bcomp, Bio-based composite, Composite, Compression moulded, Epoxy, Grass, Hessian, Jute, Plant, Technical textile, Textile, Weave
Cross section through the trailing edge of a wind turbine rotor blade produced from high modulus glass fibre reinforced epoxy over a balsa wood core. The two halves are bonded with two-part epoxy.
Relevant materials
High modulus glass fibre, R, Acid corrosion resistant Epoxy, EP, Adhesive, Two-part Balsa, Light, 50-100 kg/m3 Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), UPR, Resin
More
Adhesive, Architecture, Balsa, Composite, Construction, Epoxy, High modulus glass fibre, Laminated, Plastic
KTM Technologies motorcycle brake cover. It consists of a pre-formed epoxy flax composite panel, made with Bcomp's ampliTex, combined with an injection moulded polyamide 6 (PA6), nylon trim.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax Polyamide (PA), PA6, bio-PA, Nylon 6, Resin
More
Adhesive, Bcomp, Bio-based composite, Engel, Epoxy, Flax, Injection moulded, Organo, Plant, Plastic, Polyamide (PA), nylon, Safety, Sports, Transport
BMW M have deployed Bcomp flax fibre reinforcement materials in their Motorsport and Formula E racing cars since 2019. Bcomp flax fibre reinforced epoxy front end. Image BMW M.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Flax fibre Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Automotive, Bio-based composite, BMW, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Plant, Technical textile, Transport
Curved sandwich panel in flax and bio-based epoxy composite by Veso Biocomposites. It is made in stages: the skins and core are made separately and then bonded together to make the lightweight sandwich structure.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax Epoxy, bio-EP, Resin, Bio-resin, Super Sap
More
Architecture, Bio-based composite, Bio-based plastic, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Laminated, Plant, Sandwich panel, Transport, Veso Biocomposites, Weave
Sandwich panel in flax and bio-based epoxy composite by Veso Biocomposites. It is made in stages: the skins and core are made separately and then bonded together to make the lightweight sandwich structure.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax Epoxy, bio-EP, Resin, Bio-resin, Super Sap
More
Architecture, Bio-based composite, Bio-based plastic, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Laminated, Plant, Sandwich panel, Transport, Veso Biocomposites, Weave
A replica of Eero Saarinen’s iconic 1955 tulip-arm chair using Ekoa, a flax fibre reinforced bio-epoxy composite. Ekoa is suitable for processing via standard composite manufacturing techniques including wet lay-up, compression moulding, infusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM). Image Lingrove.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax Epoxy, bio-EP, Resin, Bio-resin, Super Sap
More
Bio-based composite, Bio-based plastic, Chair, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Furniture, Linen, Lingrove
Tras Cauri bag by Keita Shimizu, 2022, features a moulded flax epoxy (EP-FF) composite shell.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Bio-based composite, Epoxy, Fashion, Flax, Laminated, Paint, Product
Electric GT Tesla front bumper in flax fibre and epoxy (EP-FF), made by infusion. It utilises Bcomp's ampliTex and powerRibs on the backside for added stiffness.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Automotive, Bcomp, Bio-based composite, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Laminated, Lightweight automotive, Plant, Sports, Tesla, Transport
The Veso Concept built Apache hybrid rally vehicle bodywork, made up of flax fibre reinforced epoxy (EP-FF).
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Automotive, Bio-based composite, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Laminated, Plant, Plastic, Sports, Transport, Veso Biocomposites
Clara compact concert ukulele from by Blackbird Guitars, made from Lingrove flax fibre reinforced epoxy. The soundboard is tuned for optimal rigidity and density without bracing, combining the tone of wood with the lightness and durability of composite. Image Blackbird Guitars.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Acoustics, Bio-based composite, Blackbird Guitars, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Lingrove, Music, Plant, Plastic, Product, Technical textile, Weave
Clara compact concert ukulele from by Blackbird Guitars, made from Lingrove flax fibre reinforced epoxy. The soundboard is tuned for optimal rigidity and density without bracing, combining the tone of wood with the lightness and durability of composite. Image Blackbird Guitars.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Acoustics, Bio-based composite, Blackbird Guitars, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Lingrove, Music, Plant, Plastic, Product, Technical textile, Weave
Kayak paddle, by Mathew Morrisey for Palm Equipment, 2013, made with Bcomp flax reinforced epoxy
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Bcomp, Bio-based composite, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Laminated, Palm Equipment, Sports
Farallon Ekoa tenor ukulele by Blackbird Guitars, made from Lingrove flax fibre reinforced epoxy.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, EP-FF50, Laminated epoxy composite, 50% continuous flax
More
Acoustics, Bio-based composite, Blackbird Guitars, Composite, Epoxy, Flax, Lingrove, Music, Plant, Plastic, Product, Technical textile, Weave
Almost Greener skateboard deck made from layers of maple veneer laminated together with Super Sap bio-based epoxy resin.
Relevant materials
Epoxy, bio-EP, Resin, Bio-resin, Super Sap Maple, Sawnwood kiln dried, Hard maple, sugar maple, rock maple
More
Bio-based plastic, Epoxy, Laminated, Maple, Plastic, Sports
Wind turbine blade, produced with high modulus glass fibre, resin infused with epoxy
Relevant materials
Epoxy, EP, Resin High modulus glass fibre, S, High strength
More
Composite, Construction, Epoxy, High modulus glass fibre, Technical textile
Various organo sheets, compression moulded by Krempel, featuring unidirectional and woven glass fibre reinforced epoxy and phenolic resin systems. Applications include construction, transport and automotive
Relevant materials
E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
Automotive, Composite, Compression moulded, Construction, E-glass, Epoxy, Formaldehyde resin, Organo, Phenolic, Transport, Weave
Mobile phone battery cover made with pressed glass fibre reinforced epoxy composite
Relevant materials
Epoxy, EP, Resin E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical
More
Composite, Compression moulded, E-glass, Electronics product, Epoxy, Pattern, Product, Technical textile, Textile
Cross-section through a table top made with relief wood panel encapsulated in cast water-clear epoxy resin
Relevant materials
Epoxy, EP, Resin, Cast
More
Cast plastic, CNC machined, Composite, Epoxy, Furniture, Interior, Plastic, Table, Transparent, Wood
Parabeam 3D woven e-glass fabric, which creates a lightweight sandwich structure when infused with resin.
Relevant materials
E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
Composite, E-glass, Epoxy, Parabeam, Sandwich panel, Spacer fabric, Technical textile, Textile, Weave
Moulded Parabeam 3D woven e-glass fabric, which creates a lightweight sandwich structure when infused with resin.
Relevant materials
E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
Composite, E-glass, Epoxy, Parabeam, Sandwich panel, Spacer fabric, Technical textile, Textile, Weave
Parabeam 3D woven e-glass fabric, which creates a lightweight sandwich structure when infused with resin.
Relevant materials
E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
Composite, E-glass, Epoxy, Parabeam, Sandwich panel, Spacer fabric, Technical textile, Textile, Weave
Yonex Nanoflare 800 Pro badmington racket featuring Toray M40X high modulus (HM) carbon fibre (CF) and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for shock absorption.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), M35J, M40J, M46J, High modulus (HM) Polyethylene (PE), UHMWPE, Ultra high molecular weight, Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibre
More
Carbon fibre, Epoxy, Laminated, Plastic, Polyethylene (PE), Sports, Super fibre, Toray, Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Futures HS 4.20 Generation Series designed by Hayden Cox. A mix of materials is used to create the ultimate ride performance. Carbon fibre and glass fibre are used in combination with a nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, honeycomb shaped core material. Epoxy resin is infused into the materials under vacuum. The honeycomb has very low resin uptake and saves around one-third of the weight compared to solid laminate.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), T300, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K tow E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical Polyester fibre, PET, Fibre, Polyethylene terephthalate Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Honeycomb, Marine, Nonwoven, Plastic, Polyester fibre, Sports, Super fibre, Weave
The facade of the Texoversum Innovation Center, by allmannwappner, Menges Scheffler Architekten and Jan Knippers, 2023. It was developed and constructed as part of the new campus expansion plan of the Reutlingen University of Applied Sciences, Germany. The facade, which helps to shield the building from the sun, is composed of triangular panels measuring approximately four metres in width and 1.5 metres in height, each made by a robotic winding process developed at the University of Stuttgart. Manufactured by FibR, the panels are self-supporting and produced with a mix of white glass fibre and black carbon fibre.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), T300, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K tow E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
Architecture, Carbon fibre, Cladding, Composite, Construction, Epoxy, Filament wound, Glass fibre, Public, Super fibre, Unidirectional
A racing car monocoque survival cell (monocell), which protects the driver in the event of an accident. The capsule is made up of aluminium honeycomb sandwiched between multiple layers of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (EP-CF). A mix of different carbon fibres are used. Unidirectional M46J and M55J are used in parts that require the highest stiffness; and T1000 and T800 for tension critical areas.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), M35J, M40J, M46J, High modulus (HM) Carbon fibre (CF), T1000, Intermediate modulus (IM), 12K tow Carbon fibre (CF), T800, Intermediate modulus (IM), 6K, 12K and 24K tow Carbon fibre (CF), M55J, M60J, Ultra high modulus (UHM)
More
Automotive, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Laminated, Lightweight automotive, Sports, Super fibre, Transport
The Colnago C60 is flagship road race frame, handmade in Italy. Using high performance Toray T1000 carbon fibre combined with epoxy, the tubes are bladder moulded and assembled onto the bottom bracket. The frame is clear lacquered to reveal the carbon fibre weave below. To keep weight to a minimum, the chainring is forged and machined from aluminium alloy 7075. Image Colnago.
Relevant materials
Aluminium, AlZnMgCu, 7000 series, 7075 & 7475 Carbon fibre (CF), T1000, Intermediate modulus (IM), 12K tow Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF36, Intermediate modulus (IM), 36% continuous CF (T1000)
More
Aluminium, Bladder moulded, Carbon fibre, CNC machined, Colnago, Composite, Epoxy, Forged, Metal, Paint, Sports, Super fibre, Transport
Cross-section of a hollow composite blade, moulded with the use of a bladder, revealing the layers of super tough aramid inside the high modulus carbon fibre skin, with an inlaid stainless steel leading edge.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), M35J, M40J, M46J, High modulus (HM) Aramid fibre (AF), 149, Kevlar, Ultra high modulus Stainless steel, 316, Austenitic stainless steel Epoxy, EP, Resin
More
Aerospace, Aramid, Bladder moulded, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Kevlar, Metal, Steel, Super fibre
Carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (EP-CF) body system and monocoque for the Aptera solar powered vehicle. It is compression moulded from sheet moulding compound (SMC).
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF55, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), Epoxy, 55% nonwoven CF (T300) sheet moulding compound
More
Automotive, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Lightweight automotive, Sheet moulding compound (SMC), Super fibre, Transport
Pagani Huayra Roadster carbon fibre body system. The type of carbon fibre used and exact makeup of the chassis and bodywork are a closely guarded secret, but it is likely to be something like an intermediate modulus T700 or thereabouts.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T700)
More
Automotive, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Laminated, Sports, Super fibre, Transport
A matt lacquered wing mirror produced from twill-woven carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (EP-CF). Laminated by hand and consolidated in an autoclave.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Automotive, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Laminated, Super fibre, Weave
A matt lacquered wing mirror cover produced from chopped unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (EP-CF). Using virgin fibres produces a uniform finish compared to recycled. Laminated by hand and consolidated in an autoclave.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Automotive, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Laminated, Super fibre, Unidirectional
Violin top made from carbon fibre composite, utilising unidirectional fabric construction. As well as being very light and stiff, the composite is unaffected by humidity, which means it will always give the same playing result.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Acoustics, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Music, Product, Super fibre, Unidirectional
Recycled carbon fibre composite, forged and machined, with an additive in the epoxy that glows in UV light (blacklight), by Carbonium.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), T300, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K tow
More
Aerospace, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Fashion, Forged carbon fibre, Jewellery, Plastic, Recycled, Super fibre, Transport
Nowadays all professional rackets are made with high performance carbon fibre composite, such as Toray M40X. This is a unidirectional preform for bladder moulding a tennis racket frame. It is placed inside a closed mould and pressure applied from the inside, fording the carbon fibre composite to take the profile of the mould, forming the outside shape.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), M35J, M40J, M46J, High modulus (HM)
More
Bladder moulded, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Laminated, Sports, Super fibre, Unidirectional
Fillauer Obsidian Spring Blade lower limb prosthetic fabricated from laminated woven carbon fibre reinforced epoxy. There are many benefits to using carbon fibre composite, including strength-to-weight, stiffness-to-weight and wear resistance.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Laminated, Medical, Plastic, Super fibre, Technical textile, Weave
Pre-preg carbon fibre textile (impregnated with epoxy resin). The protective release film is removed in preparation for laminating.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Marine, Sports, Super fibre, Transport
Pultruded profiles from carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (EP-CF) composite. Utilising carbon fibre in this way reduces the weight of structures by around 30% and 50% compared to conventional aluminium alloys and steel, respectively.
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Intermediate modulus (IM), 60% continuous CF (T800)
More
Aerospace, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Plastic, Pultrusion, Sports, Super fibre
Carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (EP-CF) mould, produced from pre-preg in an autoclave
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Aerospace, Automotive, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Super fibre
Narke Electrojet, featuring a painted carbon fibre reinforced epoxy hull
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 60% continuous CF (T300)
More
Automotive, Carbon fibre, Compression moulded, Epoxy, Paint, Sports, Super fibre, Transport
Composite bicycle frame produced with seamless braided carbon fibre tube, bladder moulded with epoxy matrix
Relevant materials
Carbon fibre (CF), EP-CF60, Intermediate modulus (IM), 60% continuous CF (T800)
More
Bladder moulded, Braided, Carbon fibre, Composite, Epoxy, Sports, Super fibre
Cross-section through a wind turbine rotor blade, showing the balsa wood core, carbon fibre spar cap top and bottom, shear webs bonded with two part epoxy adhesive, and high modulus glass fibre epoxy skin. Altogether, it makes a very strong, light and enduring structure.
Relevant materials
Balsa, Light, 50-100 kg/m3 High modulus glass fibre, R, Acid corrosion resistant Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), UPR, Resin
More
Adhesive, Architecture, Balsa, Carbon fibre, Composite, Construction, Epoxy, High modulus glass fibre, Laminated, Plastic, Polyester resin, Super fibre
Kun Tiqi surfboard produced from balsa wood with hardwood ends. Made by hand, it is shaped and chambered (hollowed out to reduce weight), before a high strength epoxy glass fibre skin is added.
Relevant materials
E-glass fibre, E, Fibre, Electrical Epoxy, EP, Resin Balsa, Light, 50-100 kg/m3
More
Balsa, Composite, E-glass, Epoxy, Kun Tiqi, Sports, Wood
Yana surfboard constructed from solid competition grade balsa, chambered (hollowed out to reduce weight) and skinned with high-strength glass-fibre-reinforced epoxy (EP-GF).
Relevant materials
Balsa, Light, 50-100 kg/m3
More
Balsa, Composite, E-glass, Epoxy, Sports, Wood, Yana Surf
Lotus Elise S1 Chassis, launched 1995, manufactured by Hydro Aluminium from extruded 6063 and bent sheet 3105 aluminium alloy, riveted and bonded with 3M epoxy adhesive. The two-part adhesive is post-cured for enhanced strength. The bare chassis weighs just 68 kg.
Relevant materials
Aluminium, AlMgSi, 6000 series, 6063 & 6063A Aluminium, AlMnMg, 3000 series, 3004 (3104 & 3105) Epoxy, EP, Adhesive, Two-part
More
3M, Adhesive, Aluminium, Automotive, Epoxy, Extrusion, Hydro Aluminium, Lightweight automotive, Lotus, Metal, Transport