The giant awakens
Hello and welcome to the first edition of Composites in Manufacturing, or CiM, which I hope will become the premier source for composite news, information, analysis and education within the UK industry. We have launched this supplement in the belief that the UK industry has a lot to give and that the growth in this high value sector will be dramatic, especially as the cost of producing these relatively exotic materials has begun to drop enough to trickle into the mainstream.
So far the response I have had from those in and around the industry regarding CiMhas been overwhelmingly positive, indicating the need for a magazine to guide readers through this technologically advanced, nebulous and at times insular sector. I hope that as with any publication, there is something for everyone.
With so much innovation taking place, it was difficult to decide where to start, so for this first edition I have tried to give an overall ‘flavour’ of the kinds of interesting things happening in the UK. Therefore, we have articles from the newly established and ambitious subcontractor Synergy Composites, experienced primes such as Lola exploring the key issues around composite milling, a look at potential technologies for the next generation of armoured vehicles, testing and certification with the recently opened NCCEF, and opinion from the leading trade association, Composites UK.
I’m interested to see what you think of CiM, so please contact me on the email address below or visit us on stand 417-419 at the upcoming Aero Engineering/Composites Engineering exhibition (also featured). I’d also like to remind you that to receive our Spring edition free of charge, you can register via our established journals, Aerospace Manufacturing(
www.aero-mag.com) and Production Engineering Solutions (
www.pesmag.co.uk).
Simon Lott, Editor
COVER FEATURE
EDITORIAL Editor: Simon Lott e:
editorial@composites-manufacturing.com
Technical Editor: Dr Neil Calder e:
neil@engineeredcapabilities.co.uk
SALES Sales Manager: Phil Sloan Key Accounts:Andy Morley & Mark Deadman e:
sales@composites-manufacturing.com
PRODUCTION Production Manager: Denise Simmons
production@composites-manufacturing.com Design: Sable Media Solutions
www.sablemedia.co.uk
CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION Circulation Manager: John Slayman
circulation@composites-manufacturing.com
Financial Controller: Valerie Prentice Director: Dave Rose Publisher: Liam McCauley
Published by: MIT Publishing Ltd Featherstone House, 375 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1DA T: +44 (0) 1634 830566 F: +44 (0) 1634 408488
www.composites-manufacturing.com
Whilst every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publishers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions, no matter how they arise. Author’s opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the consent of the publisher.
Copyright: MIT Publishing Ltd 2010 Printers: Hastings Printing
38 A cohesive force
Trade association Composites UK talks about its aims for developing the composites sector
Cover images: ©MoD/Crown Copyright (from
www.defenceimages.mod.uk)
26 Defining the future of defence
A look at promising material technologies for next generation armoured vehicles
INSIDE . . .
5 Supporting an emerging industry
Full show and exhibitor preview of the inaugural Composites Engineering event
12 Material pioneers
A brief history of the UK composites industry and how we got to where we are today
19 The new generation
The opportunities and challenges for those setting-up in the subcontract market
22 Experience is everything
Machine tool builder CMS and user Lola explain the finer points of composite milling
32 Setting the standard
How the NCCEF is aiming to simplify the certification and production of materials
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