Impact of Composite Fabrication Technology Trends on Raw Materials

Description

Increasing Focus on Lightweighting Ensures Future Growth Potential

Composite materials are made from two of more heterogenous materials comprising of the matrix (polymer) and reinforcement (fiber). Composite materials are virtually used in every industry and are witnessing a rapid growth in its demand. This is due to the increasing demand to make end products high-performance and energy efficient.

A variety of open mold and closed mold fabrication techniques are used to manufacture such products. These include hand layup, spray-up, resin infusion, compression molding, injection molding, filament winding, pultrusion and prepreg, among others. The study aims to estimate the current state of fabrication technologies used across sectors and analyze how technological advancements can create growth opportunities. As the industry witnesses a growing penetration of composites in higher volume markets, the composites industry can offer opportunities for raw material manufacturers, composite manufacturers, component manufacturers as well as digital solution providers.

One of the first sectors to adopt fiber-reinforced composite was the aerospace sector, and it was subsequently adopted by the automotive, marine, energy, and construction sectors, among others. Cumulatively, these sectors account for over 70% revenue in the composites industry. The material's high strength-to-weight ratio continues to transform the products in these sectors as OEMs switch or expand to composite alternatives.

Different fabrication techniques are suitable for different part sizes and applications. These are selected based on the desired characteristics of the end-product. Several industry-specific trends are driving the demand for specific composite products, enabling a robust use of manufacturing techniques. For instance, the increasing demand for cost-effective composite parts in the automotive industry boosts the use of compression and injection molding. Further, as the hydrogen economy gains momentum, methods such as filament winding are expected to gain traction.

Product Code: PF44-86

Strategic Imperatives

Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
The Strategic Imperative 8™
The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Composite Fabrication Industry
Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine™

Growth Opportunity Analysis

Scope of Analysis
Segmentation
Geographic Scope
Overview
Carbon Fibre Composites Value Chain
Processes-Reference Part Sizes and Approximate Cycle-times
Factors Associated with Cost & Adoption of Composites
Sustainability Initiatives in Composite Fabrication
Ideal Circular Economy
Composites Value Chain-2023
Composites Value Chain Analysis
Growth Drivers
Growth Restraints
Manufacturing Processes by End-use Industry
Manufacturing Processes Analysis
Comparison of Composites in Mobility
Raw Materials Used in Composites Industry
Raw Material Trends
Materials and Fabrication Technologies used in Various End-use Industries

Growth Opportunity Analysis-Aerospace

Introduction
Materials in the Aerospace Industry
Use of Composite Materials & Key Fabrication Technologies
Case Study-Boeing & Airbus
Key Takeaways

Growth Opportunity Analysis-Automotive

Introduction
Materials in the Automotive Industry
Use of Composite Materials & Key Fabrication Technologies
Manufacturing Processes and Production Volumes
Case Study-Forged Composites(R) (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.)
Case Study-Carbon Fiber Wheel (Fibratech sp. z o.o.)
Key Takeaways

Growth Opportunity Analysis-Marine

Introduction
Materials in the Marine Industry
Use of Composite Materials & Key Fabrication Technologies
Case Study-WindWings (BAR Technologies)
Key Takeaways

Growth Opportunity Analysis-Energy

Introduction
Materials Used in the Energy Sector
Use of Composite Materials & Key Fabrication Technologies
Case Study
Key Takeaways

Growth Opportunity Analysis-Construction

Introduction
Materials in the Construction Industry
Use of Composite Materials & Key Fabrication Technologies
Case Study
Key Takeaways

Growth Opportunity Universe

Growth Opportunity 1: Automotive Component Production
Growth Opportunity 2: Wind Energy Applications
Growth Opportunity 3: Preforming
Growth Opportunity 4: Digitization of Manufacturing Process

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