With vehicles being 92% dependent on oil, and global reserves reducing due to the increasing demand of developing countries and vehicles contributing to almost a third of global emissions, the urge to develop more sustainable cars has become a priority. To combat this, manufacturers are keen on switching from oil-powered vehicles to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the growing demand for EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles, composite technologies are also evolving to cater to the needs of the auto parts manufacturing industry. Auto parts manufacturers are making use of composite materials like carbon fiber, glass fiber, epoxy, or glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic for making diverse auto parts.
The use of composites has revolutionized the auto parts manufacturing industry, as composites offer significant benefits compared to metals. The use of composites not only helps to reduce weight and corrosion issues but also offers greater design flexibility, better space efficiency, quick assembly, and enhanced vehicle performance through innovative structural designs and superior mechanical properties. Composites are significant for automotive applications; particularly honeycomb structures have an impact on safety, performance, and sustainability.
Composites are materials that are made by combining two or more distinct materials and have enhanced properties compared to the individual materials. The composites are replacing the traditional materials like steel and aluminium in the auto parts industry due to their unique properties and distinct characteristics. Some of the major benefits due to which composites are preferred in the auto parts industry include:
Fuel Efficiency – The use of composites in manufacturing auto parts considerably reduces the weight of the vehicles. The light-weight vehicles are known for consuming less fuel, which is particularly beneficial for meeting the automotive industry’s pursuit of fuel efficiency and emission standards.
Light in Weight and High in Strength – Composite material’s high strength-to-weight ratio is the key benefit using which auto parts manufacturers create light-weight vehicle parts maintaining their structural integrity. Light-weight vehicle parts considerably reduce the vehicle weight, which requires less energy to operate. This further improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals.
Strength – Composite materials are known for excellent strength and stiffness. This allows auto parts manufacturers to design parts that are lightweight and can withstand high mechanical stress. This becomes significant in vehicles for ensuring safety and performance in critical areas of the vehicle.
Enhanced Safety Features – Composites having honeycomb configuration are known for better energy absorption properties. Thus auto parts made of such composites have improved impact resistance, thereby enhancing the safety standards of the vehicles.
Design Flexibility – Composites are highly flexible materials that can be easily moulded into complex shapes and can be tailored to specific requirements of the auto parts industry. This flexibility of composites allows auto parts manufacturers to optimize auto components for both function and aesthetics.
Composite materials are at the forefront of the automotive industry revolution by contributing towards lightweight and high-performance vehicles. Auto parts manufacturers are leveraging the distinct properties of composites and making use of advanced fabrication techniques to unlock new possibilities in vehicle design and performance. Due to their unique properties, composite materials are widely used in a range of auto structural parts like body panels, chassis, and suspension systems. Composites are also used in the making of lightweight and high-performance brake systems. Brake pads and rotors made of composites offer superior wear resistance, thermal stability, and noise reduction compared to traditional materials like steel and aluminium. The composite’s use enhances the vehicle’s braking performance as well as extends the service life of the components.
Composites are not only used for making the exterior of the vehicles but are also revolutionizing the interior design of the vehicles. This lightweight material is used in door panels, seat structures, and dashboard components that also lead to overall weight reduction of the vehicle while improving the vehicle’s aesthetics and functionality. Composites with moulding ability are used for creating complex shapes of the vehicle interior parts that can be integrated with features like acoustic insulation, built-in sensors, and heating elements. This lightweight and advanced material is also finding application in transmission systems, engine parts, and exhaust components. The use of ceramic matrix composites that are known for high thermal and chemical resistance makes them ideal for high-temperature applications like exhaust manifolds and turbocharger housings.
The composite use in the exterior and interior of the vehicles results in weight reduction, improves performance, and enhances the overall efficiency. The traditional metal parts are getting replaced with composite auto parts that reduce the vehicle’s weight without compromising strength or stiffness. This results in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle dynamics.
Composites are increasingly becoming popular in the auto parts manufacturing industry, as this material is making a huge contribution in catering to the requirements of auto parts manufacturers. The automotive industry is focusing on producing light-weight and fuel-efficient vehicles to meet environmental and sustainability goals. Over the years, composites have emerged as a promising alternative to metal due to their light-weight, thermal resistance, and higher stiffness properties.
Medical equipment is known for changing and improving people’s lives, as these instruments help people live longer and healthier lives. Medical equipment comprises machines, tools, and apparatuses that are used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure diseases. Medical equipment manufacturing companies in recent times has witnessed a major transformation, particularly with the increasing use of advanced composite materials known for their unique properties lightweight, structure, high strength, resistance to corrosion, and biocompatibility, making them perfect for a wide range of medical applications. Advanced composite is playing a significant role in medical equipment manufacturing and has become a preferred material for the company due to its benefits, applications, and future potential.
Medical equipment manufacturing companies are making wide use of composite materials that are used to make medical equipment, implants, artificial limbs, instrument materials, and diagnostic components. Fibre-reinforced polymer composites are the most widely used composites in the medical sector due to their high-stiffness characteristics, lightweight nature, and flexibility. Composites have better mechanical properties compared to metals and plastics, thus these materials are highly desirable in medical device manufacturing. Some of the major benefits of using composites in medical equipment include:
Lightweight and High Strength – One of the most significant advantages of advanced composites in medical equipment manufacturing is their strength-to-weight ratio. Composites provide equivalent or superior strength just like steel and titanium while being considerably lighter. Due to this characteristic, composites become desirable for manufacturing portable medical devices and wearable medical components.
Biocompatibility and Corrosion Resistance – Unlike metals, composites are resistant to corrosion and these do not corrode over time because of extreme sterilization processes or due to body fluids. Composites are not only corrosion resistant but are also biocompatible due to which wearable medical components made from composites do not show any adverse reaction when implanted into the human body.
Design Flexibility – Medical equipment manufacturing companies prefer composites over other materials because of design flexibility. These companies make use of composites to develop ergonomic and patient-friendly medical devices of intricate structures and complex shapes that are not possible with other conventional materials.
Enhanced Durability and Longevity – Medical equipment manufacturing companies make use of advanced composites to manufacture medical devices. Medical devices made from composites have a longer lifespan because these materials are resistant to fatigue, wear, and environmental factors. This further helps medical institutions to save significant costs by eliminating the need for frequent replacement of equipment.
Improved Imaging Compatibility – Composites are known for having improved imaging compatibility and hence prove effective in imaging applications in the medical field. Composites reduce interference in MRI and CT scans and provide clear imaging results, allowing doctors to correctly diagnose the problem.
Medical equipment manufacturing companies make use of composites to create lightweight, durable, and biocompatible medical products and components. This material was first used in medical applications in the early 1970s and with the advancement in technologies; composites have been increasingly used in prosthetics, surgical instruments, and imaging equipment. Some of the popular applications of composites in the medical field include:
Orthotics and Prosthetics – The composite materials are widely used for creating a wide range of prosthetic limbs and orthotics like insoles, spinal jackets, splints, and braces. Composites are also found effective for knee and hip replacements, surgical meshes, medical instruments, implants, and more. Composites like carbon fiber are used for several applications, as these materials provide strength and flexibility to mimic natural limb movement and are light in weight for patient comfort.
Diagnostic Imaging Equipment – Highly advanced MRI and CT scan equipment used in leading medical institutions are made of composites like carbon fiber-reinforced polymers. Composite materials do not interfere with electromagnetic signals and hence ensure absolute clarity of image. Besides, this imaging equipment made from composites is light in weight, providing ease and convenience to professionals.
Surgical Instruments and Equipment – Surgical instruments and equipment like scalpels, forceps, and endoscopic tools require absolute precision. These tools should be lightweight, durable, and resistant to sterilization processes to ensure reliability in surgical procedures. The desirable features in surgical instruments and equipment are possible if these instruments are made from composites.
Medical Beds and Wheelchairs – Composites are increasingly being used in the medical field, as their usage is not just limited to equipment and tools. Composites are also used to make hospital beds, rehabilitation equipment, and wheelchairs because of their lightweight nature. Due to the lightweight feature, these tools and equipment are easier to manoeuvre, while their durability ensures long-term usability.
Wearable Medical Devices – There is an increasing trend of wearable medical devices, particularly with the rise in digital health and remote monitoring. Medical equipment manufacturing companies make use of composites to create lightweight and ergonomic design devices such as insulin pumps, heart rate monitors, and orthopaedic braces.
Composites future in medical equipment manufacturing is promising, with several trends and innovations shaping their growth:
Nano Composites – With the integration of nanotechnology into composites, the properties of this material are being enhanced. This leads to stronger, biocompatible, and antimicrobial composites that will become more advantageous for the medical field.
3D Printing of Composites – The latest advancements have led to 3D printing of composites that makes it easier for equipment manufacturing companies to produce customized medical devices and implants.
Smart Composites – Composites with embedded sensors is the latest development. The responsive properties of the material ensure real-time monitoring and adaptive performance in medical applications.
Medical equipment manufacturing companies are being transformed by the wide usage of composites in making diverse medical tools and devices. The unique combination of strength, lightweight properties, durability, and biocompatibility has made this material a highly sought-after for the medical field. Composites are widely used for diverse applications ranging from prosthetics and implants to diagnostic imaging and wearable medical devices. The use of composites in medical devices has provided patients with better health outcomes and has also improved the efficiency of the healthcare sector. With the healthcare industry embracing innovation, advanced composites will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of medical technology.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) like drones are getting embraced by diverse industries like defense, infrastructure security, agriculture, logistics, healthcare, disaster management, and security for executing critical tasks like army missions, data collection, surveillance, delivery, and offering security in hard-to-reach areas. The UAV or drone demand is rising exponentially, as these aerial vehicles are turning out to be a much safer and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The UAV’s performance depends on the material used to manufacture it and on the type and quality of built-in electronics. The aerial vehicles are equipped with sensors and vital communication systems, which inevitably increase weight and reduce flight time. Thus, while manufacturing high-performance UAVs or drones, makers focus on reducing weight. This becomes possible only by making use of composite materials that significantly reduce weight by around 16 to 45% and also reduce noise and vibrations compared to other materials.
The vital structures of UAVs like fuselage, wing, and landing gear are manufactured using composite materials like polymers reinforced with carbon fibers (CFRP), polymers reinforced with fiberglass (GFRP), or aramid fibers. The demand for high-performance UAVs is growing exponentially, and composite materials are playing a crucial role in enhancing their efficiency, durability, and flight capabilities. Thus, it can be said that composite materials play a significant role in manufacturing high-strength, lightweight, and highly efficient UAVs. The high strength-to-weight ratio of UAVs facilitates manoeuvrability, reduces energy consumption, and increases flight time.
Composite materials like CFRP, fiberglass, and aramid fibers are widely used in UAV manufacturing because of multiple benefits compared to traditional materials like steel and aluminium. Some of the noteworthy benefits of composite materials due to which these materials are preferred for UAVs include:
Lightweight and high strength-to-weight ratio – Composite materials are light in weight and provide exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This keeps manufactured UAVs light in weight yet has durability for flight endurance, besides improving the fuel efficiency of the UAVs.
Corrosion Resistance – The corrosion resistance feature of the composite materials makes these materials perfect for the manufacturing of UAVs, which function in different environmental conditions.
Structural Flexibility – The best thing about composite materials is that they can be moulded into complex shapes. This allows manufacturers to make advanced aerodynamic designs of aerial vehicles that further lead to improved performance of the UAVs.
Reduce Vibrations – The structural components of UAVs are made of composite materials that result in reducing vibrations. This further improves stability, and sensor accuracy, and also increases the lifespan of the components.
Composite materials are the preferred material choice for the manufacturing of UAVs because the fiber reinforcement provides strength and stiffness in the fiber direction. This allows engineers to customise the composite materials as per the specific requirements of UAVs. Some of the popular composite materials that are used in UAVs include:
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers – CFRP is a popular composite material widely used in the manufacturing of UAVs because of its lightweight properties, superior strength, and resistance to environmental stress. This material also results in enhancing fuel efficiency, increasing payload capacity, and contributing to better manoeuvrability.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers – GFRP despite being a little heavier than carbon fiber is a cost-effective composite material, which is known for offering excellent strength and durability. This composite material provides a fine balance of performance and price and is ideally recommended for manufacturing competitively-priced UAVs.
Aramid Fiber Composites – Aramid fibers like Kevlar® stand out due to their features like impact resistance and toughness. Hence, this composite material is extensively used in manufacturing UAV structures that require high resistance to impacts like military and surveillance drones that require functioning in extreme conditions.
Hybrid Composites – This type of composite is a mixture of two or more types of composites like carbon and aramid. The hybrid composites enhance the mechanical properties of aerial vehicles, as these material features combine the properties of both the composites.
The UAV’s future made with composite is driven by advancements in material science and manufacturing technologies. Some future trends in UAV manufacturing include:
Nano-composites – Nano-composites will be used in UAV manufacturing to enhance the strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of aerial vehicles.
Self-healing materials – Research and development are in the process of manufacturing self-healing composite materials that will play a vital role in UAV and drone manufacturing. The usage of self-healing composites will autonomously repair minor damages, thereby increasing the lifespan of the UAVs.
Bio-composites – With the coming up of sustainable and eco-friendly composite materials, the environmental impact of these materials will be used.
Automated manufacturing – With the increasing use of AI-driven robotics for precision composite fabrication, production time and costs involved in UAV manufacturing will be reduced.
Composite materials have positively affected UAV manufacturing by facilitating the production of high-performance drones and other aerial vehicles having exceptional strength, lightweight properties, and advanced aerodynamics. With the evolving technology, the integration of innovative composite materials will enhance drones and UAV’s capabilities, making them more efficient, durable, and adaptable to diverse applications. UAV manufacturers to stay at the forefront of innovation need to leverage composite materials to make these aerial vehicles for defense agencies, aerospace, and commercial industries.
