A composite material combines two or more materials with different physical properties to improve its properties.
Fiberglass is a widely known composite material that combines plastic and glass fibers. Fiberglass properties are a combination of plastic and glass. It is rigid, light, and durable. One of its uses is making roofing laminate, storage tanks, surfboards, and many other applications.
Another example is carbon fibers, combined with other materials, such as resin, to form a well-known material called carbon fiber (carbon fiber reinforced polymer). Carbon fiber is significantly more rigid than steel and much lighter. It is widely used, and some of its uses are aircraft bodies, sport cars bodies and seats, drone bodies, prostheses, bicycles, hockey, and baseball bats.
Composite manufacturing designates a set of fabrication methods used to manufacture a part. It is used in the following sectors:
- Medical: Surgical tools, implants, and orthopedics.
- Industrial: Jigs, fixtures, and enclosures.
- Aerospace & Automotive: Bodies of aircraft and cars, electrical cables
- Robotics: Robots' bodies, grippers
- Consumer products: Cooking utensils, swimming pools panels, shower stalls