Methods & application
Design the component and the way it is made.
A composite component is more than its outer surface. This blog connects geometry, material selection and construction with the practical demands of tooling, assembly and use on the vehicle.
Start with the component’s role
Define the geometry, load cases, mounting points and available space. Establish which requirements matter most, from stiffness and mass to finish, access and serviceability.
Develop the construction
Explore material systems, fibre directions, laminate arrangements and local reinforcement. Consider the interfaces between skins, cores, inserts and attachments as part of the same design task.
Plan for manufacture
Develop the mould strategy, split lines, release directions and assembly sequence. Use drawings and build documentation to make the intended construction clear and to support inspection of the finished part.