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Monolithic materials (formed from one element, compound or alloy) have specific properties... strength, weight, flexibility, brittleness, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity and so on.
Composite materials on the other hand bring together many of the best qualities of each constituent to enhance those individual properties. They are 'synergy' materials. They often provide easy methods of fabrication, bonding and joining over traditional ways of developing complex forms, surfaces and platforms because largely they eliminate many of the manufacturing process steps, simply because they are often formed "all in one" with low energy input needs. This ability also means that complex structures (decks, chassis, interior platforms, transport shells) can be constructed in one continuous piece via the moulding process.
Possibly the most outstanding characteristic of composite manufacture is their weight to strength ratio. Carbon-fibre composites are in fact as strong as steel at a fraction of the weight. And they finish well with painted surfaces... and most importantly for users "no rust". The new flow techniques developed at Australia's Deakin University are helping the cost of carbon-fibre production plummet and are in serious development in major vehicle design centres around the globe.
Composites today are being used in many, many more products as they have a smaller ecological footprint, from sporting goods to satellites and space vehicles to span bridges. mouldCAM continues to stay across the technical and practical application of the latest composite technologies as they evolve to help manufacturers get the most from their production systems today and in the future.
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