Most engineers learn about composite manufacturing while on the job. Schools tend to focus on design and analysis, with limited course offerings covering fabrication. Likewise, books on composite manufacturing also tend to be harder to find than their analytical counterparts.

The "Handbook of Composite Fabrication" attempts to fill that void. It covers all of the major composite manufacturing processes in a single, concise volume. It also includes important topics such as machining and joining of composites.

Unfortunately, the book is a bit too concise to be truly considered a handbook. It provides a nice overview of the various processes and would make a good introductory text, but those looking for practical details will find the book wanting.

For example, the section on tooling materials for open mold processes shows a table of five common materials, along with CTE, thermal conductivity and approximate cost. It also talks about various design aspects such as integral vacuum ports and air flow. What it leaves out, though, is information about number of cure cycles possible with the different materials, plug manufacture (for composite tools), new materials (like epoxy tooling board), and other design considerations such as thickness, weight, etc. The information in the book is good; it could just be more complete.

The section of drilling reads the most like a handbook. It includes detailed information on the various types of drill bits, when they should be used, and what speeds and feed rates are appropriate under different conditions. These machining details are difficult to find, making this a useful reference. It does, however, miss the specialized bits like drill reams.

The chapter on pultrusion is the most detailed of the processing chapters. The coverage of die design is especially good, even if it focuses more on cure theory than practical rules. By showing the limitations of the process, it will help product designers determine whether or not pultrusion is an appropriate process.

This is not a bad introduction to composite manufacturing. "Handbook," though, is probably an unfortunate choice for the title, because that implies a depth of detail this book is often lacking. Buy it if you are just learning about composite fabrication, but don't expect to use it as an actual manufacturing handbook.

Details: "Handbook of Composite Fabrication", edited by Güneri Akovali, published by Rapra Technology Ltd., 2001, ISBN 1-85957-263-4.
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Constituent Materials; 3. Open Mould Processes; 4. Closed Mould (Matched Die) Processes; 5. Filament Winding; 6. Pultrusion and Other Shaping Processes; 7. Machining and Joining Process; Abbreviations and Acronyms; Contributors; Name Index; Main Index

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