As manufacturing has evolved, it has become increasingly reliant on composite materials.
Composite materials are made up of two or more sub-materials with different properties. They are composed of a reinforcing material in a plastic matrix which groups together for the application, the final properties becoming the composite part.
Year after year, more and more industries are replacing their traditional materials like steel and aluminum with composite materials. The costs of composite materials have come down and with their countless advantages ranging from stiffness to weight, these materials have become a number one choice for engineers. As the manufacturing process changes and innovates around the world, composites manufacturing companies in Canada have become essential suppliers to the industry.
As composite materials become essential to the Canadian and US manufacturing markets, the demand for these materials in various industries has become more notable. These are the industries that can benefit most from the high quality and strength of composite materials.
Defense
According to Research and markets, the future of the defense industry is in composite materials. The defense industry needs strong, lightweight materials to meet its demands. For example, armored vehicles and combat aircraft can make excellent use of the weight ratios of composite materials.
Transport
As the auto industry expands rapidly to make vehicles that are lighter and more fuel efficient, it has become more reliant on the manufacture of composites. Manufacturers use composites to create cars that are safer in collisions.
Marine
Since the 1930s, the marine industry has used composites which offered a lightweight option to produce intricate curves. In addition, composite parts are widely used with recreational equipment like canoes and kayaks. More recently, America’s Cup Competition heavily reliant on composite parts for speed and strength.
Aerospace
By 2025, the use of composites by the global aerospace market is expected to reach approximately $ 41 billion. There is now significant growth for composites in the aerospace market with growing environmental concerns and government restrictions.
Medical
The medical industry began to manufacture prosthetics and other assistive devices. Since composites can produce different shapes and are flexible, they work well to meet their complex needs.
Industrial
The mining industry uses composites to build tanks that store corrosive and toxic materials. In addition, they are used to develop chutes and feeders in agricultural applications.
Energy
Previously, polyester resins were used for composite slats, but composite materials are now widely preferred with larger wind turbines. Nevertheless, the main structural components of large-scale wind turbines continue to use composites.
Construction
For many of your construction needs, composite materials are now at the forefront. The materials offer the advantage of retaining their color under constant UV light and resisting corrosion when exposed to water. Composite materials in the construction industry are now in:
- Lightweight paneling
- Deck boards
- Doors
- Bathtubs
- Swimming pools
- Roofing materials
These eight industries are just the beginning of the big world of composites manufacturing. Many industries around the world could see the potential use of composite materials due to their advantages, strength, cost and flexibility, over stereotypical metals and steels.
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