Selection of composite materials and manufacturing routes for cost-effective performance

A study has been conducted to estimate the costs of manufacture of a simple component in a number of different composite materials and by different manufacturing routes. The materials and routes selected span the range of composites from those appropriate for general engineering applications to aerospace. A simple methodology is introduced for a comparison on the basis of cost-performance efficiency. It is demonstrated that more economic solutions may often be realised by choice of 'expensive' carbon rather than 'cheaper' E-glass as the reinforcing fibre. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.