Is Automation Driving Windmill Blade Production? Newly installed capacity for wind turbines grew nearly 35 percent over 2004 to roughly 10,500-10,900 MW in 2005. Blades alone represent nearly 274 million pounds of fiber-reinforced composites. Is it time for automated manufacturing? By Chris Red

El Natural! Natural Fibers and Green Composites
Sisal, flax, kenaf, industrial hemp, and coconut have been used for many years in the composites industry. With synthetic fibers costing more and more to produce, will there be a surge in the use of natural fibers?
By Russ Fisher

Composites and Future Nuclear Power
Generation IV reactors are not expected to be ready for commercial development for another 10 to 15 years, but they present unique opportunities for composite materials.
By Chris Red

The Aptera: A New Look at Automotive Design and Fuel Efficiency
The Carlsbad, Calf.-based start-up, Accelerated Composites waves goodbye to Detroit with its low cost, energy-efficient, hybrid automobile.
By Rebecca D'Amico

Columns:

ACMA UpFront - ACMA Executive Director Missy Henriksen outlines a new report for members: Composites Industry Opportunities for Rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

President’s Message - Current ACMA President Bill Kreylser wonders aloud how some manufacturers can justify not belonging to ACMA.

Reinforced Lessons - Linda Clements, CM contributor and Materials R&D Director for 2Phase Technologies takes a provocative look back on her interview with one of the world’s foremost scientists, Dr. Edward Teller.

Multiple Strengths, Infinite Possibilities - ACMA’s Composites Growth Initiative Director John Busel maps CGI’s public relations effort.

Reinforced People - Miles Fiberglass and Composites President and CM Contributor Lori Luchak finds ways to lower your employee’s dental coverage.

B-to-B - New CM Contributor and Agata President Alex Gutierrez offers a much-needed lesson in branding.

Communicate to Win - University of Mississippi Processor and CM Contributor Jeanette Martin proposes “To Blog, or Not to Blog?”