How do composite suppliers know what is required in the industry? Composite suppliers ensure their materials comply with the stringent requirements of numerous industries including aerospace, automotive and construction. Composites are used across these organizations since they are strong, durable, and lightweight. Yet under industry standards, composite suppliers must conform to eextensive quality control standards, satisfy certifications, and keep up with product and processes innovation.
A prime example of this is Hexcel Corporation, as one of the major composite suppliers, which adheres to stringent aerospace protocols for their carbon fibre to ensure high performance. Its composites products are used in the 787 Dreamliner from Boeing that has cut fuel consumption by over 20 percent over previous models. Hexcel’s compliance with standards like AS9100, an international quality management system for aerospace, guarantees its composites meet industry safety and performance requirements. In addition to certification data, Hexcel is also subjected to rigorous testing and evaluation by organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Toray Industries, another leading composite supplier, adheres to industry-specific regulations and various quality certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 to guarantee that its products reliably satisfy customer requirements. Toray’s carbon fiber is used in major applications including the Airbus A350, which employs composites in 53% of its structure. That helps the aircraft achieve a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency. Toray Health care division products meet international standards, quality and compliance of the company materials is responsible for these blockbusters reaching the industry.
Staying on par with industry standards also means innovating and consistently improving. BASF is all well established in advanced composite materials but with the automotive industry’s movement towards more sustainable solutions, the company has developed bio-based composites to be used for automotive applications. BASF’s materials can help lower vehicle weight by up to 10%, leading to enhanced fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. By continuously innovating and embracing sustainability, they can comply with shifting environmental regulations, like the European Union’s carbon emissions standards.
In the meantime, SGL Carbon proved its commitment to comply with industry standards⸺namely from the renewable energy area. Where strength and longevity are critical, SGL Carbon manufactures its composites for wind turbine blades. The solutions that they are ready to offer today comply with the international standard of wind energy applications for efficient operation of turbines for 20-25 years. For SGL Carbon, the ability to meet standards such as IEC 61400, which defines performance standards for wind turbines, enables it to provide materials that are reliable and durable.
All materials supplied come with extensive testing so that the reliability can be ensured in diverse conditions. General Electric Aviation, for example, mandates composite suppliers adhere to strict testing protocols for materials used in its LEAP engines. These engines, used in the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo, take advantage of composite fan blades and casings to boost their fuel efficiency by 15%. GE’s testing regimes prove the composites can handle the jet engines’ high temperatures and pressures.
Through stringent quality assurance processes, certifications, and continuous innovation, Composite Suppliers can align with the diverse needs of other sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. With the increasing need for advanced composite materials, Hexcel, Toray & BASF and SGL Carbon will continue to be among the top suppliers, making sure that their products meet specific industry standards and regulations.