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Forbes
31-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
In A Tough Business Cycle, 3D Printers Leverage Established Markets
Additive manufacturing hasn't been spared the challenging economic and policy environment that industry as a whole has been grappling with recently, but AM faces the additional difficulty that it's still finding its best fit in how things are made. With those challenges, the big players are looking forward at how best to leverage the technology's strengths. The good news is that there are some now well-established areas of success that are helping guide the way. '3D printing today, whether it's a vat-based resin technology, a powder technology, a ceramic metal powder technology, all face the same challenges,' Andy Middleton, UltiMaker's new SVP EMEA & global marketing, told me in an interview. 'Repeatability across multiple output devices, mechanical properties of the final part, and ease of use… So our job at Ultimaker, and that's why I joined Ultimaker quite recently, is to define where 3D printing—additive manufacturing—makes sense.' That represents much of the industry's work over the past decade or so, as the technology broke out from its prototyping role into production of end-use parts. Probably no market showcases the strength of AM better than defense and aerospace. 'Defense will be, in my opinion, and in our company's opinion, one of the major adopters of FDM, our technology,' said Middleton. 'In 2025, 2026 it's going to be taking upwards of 25 to 30% of our business, because now the materials we can print can replace metal parts with carbon fiber, nylon-reinforced and so on.' 3D Systems is also betting big on that same market. 'For me, in aerospace and defense, we do quite a bit with casting technology using the stereolithography,' Mike Shepard, the company's VP, aerospace & defense segment,' said in an interview. 'Our trade name for it is QuickCast… We create these polymer investment casting patterns. Traditionally, in investment casting, one of the problems is to get the shape right. I don't want to say you get the shape for free, but getting the shape has become dramatically easier. And so we keep investing in the SLA technology…. We've got a new machine out there… a two-laser SLA system. It's super-productive. And you can make casting patterns that are pretty big right out of the machine. But then you can also glue them together, and you can create truly enormous casting patterns… We've been very active with naval recently, and the naval space really uses a lot of sand castings.' Space applications are another focus area for 3D Systems. 'We've been very active in space historically,' said Shepard. 'Not just on the rocket side, but especially on the satellite side. There's a lot of satellites or payloads, and there's a lot of good reason to get weight out of those. There are a few superpowers that additive has, and one of them is getting weight out because you can make these highly optimized structures. A lot of the space structures we work in—brackets, things like that—10, 20, 25% of the weight you can get out of those structures.' Another area of opportunity for the defense industry that Ultimaker has focused on has been on-demand spare parts. 'I attended a NATO conference just six, seven weeks ago,' Middleton explained. 'They have a very nice phraseology in peacetime and in non-peacetime—they need to be able to deploy such printers that can do a myriad of applications... Much of the hardware being used in the field is 30, 40 years old, and spare parts don't exist. So they are re-engineering those spare parts.' That same focus area has also led to business in non-defense applications. 'Also as an example is the food and beverage industry, where Coca Cola Bottling plants or Heineken bottling plants have these hugely capital-intensive lines. If one little widget breaks, which is guiding bottles to be filled, that machine goes down.' The trouble arises when the replacement for the little widget that broke isn't in the spare parts room, and the company that made the machine can't get a part out immediately. That can mean millions of dollars in lost production. With 3D printing, rather than sending the part, the OEM simply sends a file to be printed on-site. 'The beauty is this bottling line, we have nothing to do with it,' Middleton continued. 'That's manufactured by a German company. They're all over the US, a company called PHS, so they are now saying, hey, they can't ship the spare part in time. It's three days, best case. So now they're building a business model to send the file.' One routine part of today's 3D printing business story is consolidation, and that's been part of the game plan for both 3D Systems and Ultimaker. (There are much less friendly twists on this theme, as with Nano Dimension's recent move to acquire Desktop Metal, then break it up and sell the parts.) For 3D Systems, much of the work Shepard described with sand molds was enabled by the company's 2022 acquisition of Titan Robotics, a Colorado-based designer and fabricator of large-format industrial 3D printers. 'The Titan machines themselves can have a very large build volume, but they can work directly with injection molding pellets,' Shepard said. 'So there's a huge range of materials that you can engage with. And then on top of that, you can lay down a lot of material really fast.' On the Ultimaker side, its 2022 merger with MakerBot was one of the biggest consolidation stories yet in the AM business world. Looking forward, both companies are focused on enabling customers to make the most use of their revolutionary manufacturing methodologies. 'I think we're the biggest experts on deployment and training and enablement,' said Middleton. 'The barrier has been the ability of companies to transfer knowledge. How do I integrate it into my workflow? We've got workflows which integrate into ERP systems. The ease of our technology to operate is incomparable to other technologies.' Shepard added, 'I think we need to be better at proselytizing for additive manufacturing and better at helping great manufacturing companies that have not really adopted additive manufacturing, helping them adopt the technology and helping them find exactly the way that it is going to slide in most comfortably with their businesses, and helping them be successful as quickly as possible.'


Globe and Mail
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
CF & CFRP Market 2025-2030: Industry Outlook, Trends Analysis, New Opportunities, and Prospects
The Carbon Fiber (CF) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) market is witnessing robust growth, driven by rising demand for lightweight, high-strength materials in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy sectors. Leading companies like Toray, Teijin, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Hexcel are expanding capacity and advancing technology, positioning the market for strong global expansion. The CFRP market is projected to grow from USD 22.48 billion in 2025 to USD 35.55 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, including CFRP market size, trends, drivers and constraints, competitive aspects, and prospects for future growth. Continuous technological innovation in 3D printing drives growth in the 3D printing metals market. The market for CF & CFRP is influenced by several primary factors, including the presence of numerous manufacturers, government support, and increased carbon fiber production. The rising number of manufacturers worldwide encourages competition and innovation, resulting in the development of lightweight, high-strength CF & CFRP products. The growing demand for electric vehicles and the need for lightweight materials to enhance their range and efficiency have further boosted the demand for CF & CFRP in the automotive industry. Additionally, the increasing trend toward sustainability and eco-friendliness has led to the rising use of CF and CFRP in renewable energy applications, particularly in wind energy for producing long-lasting and durable wind turbines. Download PDF Brochure: PAN dominated the precursor type segment in terms of value in the CF market PAN precursor dominates the CF market due to its superior strength, stability, and higher carbon yield. About 90% of the carbon fiber produced is made from PAN, while the remaining 10% comes from rayon or petroleum pitch. PAN-based carbon fiber is produced from acrylonitrile through a process involving PAN fiber synthesis, flame retardant treatment, carbonization, graphitization, surface treatment, and sizing. The lightweight and high-strength characteristics of PAN-based carbon fiber have led to its extensive use across various applications, such as aircraft brakes, space structures, military and commercial planes, lithium batteries, sporting goods, and structural reinforcement in construction materials. Recycled carbon fiber is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in terms of value in the CF market during the forecasted period In the CF market, the recycled carbon fiber segment is expected to register the highest CAGR due to growing sustainability goals and stricter environmental regulations, which push industries to reduce waste and carbon emissions. It offers a cost-effective alternative to virgin carbon fiber, making it attractive for automotive, aerospace & defense, wind energy, and sporting goods manufacturers. Advancements in recycling technologies have improved the quality and consistency of recycled carbon fiber, expanding its applications. Additionally, companies are seeking lightweight, high-performance materials to enhance fuel efficiency and product durability. The pipe & tank industry is expected to register the second-highest CAGR in terms of value in the CFRP market during the forecast period The pipe & tank segment will register the second-highest growth rate in the CFRP market. As CFRP offers outstanding properties, such as a high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability, it makes it an ideal substitute for traditional materials like steel and aluminum in demanding applications. In the oil & gas sector, CFRP pipes and tanks are mostly used to transport crude oil and store high-pressure gases, as they have the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions like saltwater and corrosive chemicals, further extending shelf life and reducing maintenance costs. CFRP pipes & tanks are also being used in the chemical industry for enhanced resistance to water vapor and mechanical stress in applications like chlorine production by replacing rubber-lined steel tanks. Europe accounted for the second-largest share of the CFRP market in terms of value Europe dominates the CFRP market due to strong demand from the aerospace and automotive industries for improved efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. The CFRP market in Europe is characterized by capacity expansions, joint ventures, and agreements among various leading players. Airbus generates high demand for carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The company's Superjumbo A380 and A350 are constructed with large quantities of CF & CFRP. The recently released A380 is a sizable aircraft made from approximately 30 tons per unit of carbon fiber. Many regional car manufacturers, such as BMW (Germany) and Audi (Germany), now utilize carbon fiber reinforced plastics on a significant scale. The carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) market in Europe has been experiencing growth and significant demand from various sectors. Europe is home to several prominent automotive manufacturers, aerospace companies, and renewable energy projects, all of which contribute to the increasing adoption of CFRP. CF & CFRP Companies Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan) Toray Industries, Inc. is a Japanese multinational company that specializes in advanced materials and technologies. The company operates across various sectors, including fibers and textiles, performance chemicals, carbon fiber composite materials, and environmental and engineering solutions. It offers carbon fibers and carbon fiber reinforced plastics through its carbon fiber composite materials business segment, which is designed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace and industrial applications. Toray Industries, Inc. has operations in Japan, China, South Korea, the US, and several European nations. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its ongoing development of advanced carbon fiber technologies and its strategic initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan) Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, is a global leader in the chemicals sector, focusing on advancing science and technology. The company operates within five business segments: Specialty Materials, MMA & Derivatives, Basic Materials & Polymers, Pharma, and Industrial Gases. Through the advanced composites & shapes sub-segment under Specialty Materials, the company offers carbon fiber and carbon fiber products for various applications in the automotive, aerospace & defense, industrial equipment, wind energy, medical, and other industries. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has four manufacturing facilities in Japan, along with overseas services in the US, Hong Kong, China, and Germany. It also has a presence in other regions with sales representatives and distribution centers. Teijin Limited (Japan) Teijin Limited is a key player in the global CF & CFRP market. Teijin Carbon Europe GmbH, a principal subsidiary of Teijin Limited, has been manufacturing high-performance carbon fiber under the brand name Tenax. It also offers advanced material solutions, including high-temperature resins, prepreg systems, new fibers, and tailored sizing, among others. Teijin Limited is expanding its global reach by entering into agreements and partnerships with other companies in the market. Additionally, it is acquiring major suppliers to enhance its production capacity to meet the growing demand. The company invests significantly in research & development for new products. About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies – helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore™ (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.


Auto Blog
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Extreme Porsche 911 Turbo S Aero Kit Costs Almost $70,000
911 Turbo Aero Package Costs As Much As A New Cayman S There's a Porsche 911 for every occasion, and if you want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, the Turbo S is the one for the job. It's not the most hardcore 911 track toy, but every inch of the 911 Turbo S has been optimized for unrivaled speed. Attempting to improve on this extreme 911 takes considerable expertise, but Gunther Werks – a renowned Porsche builder – has shown it can be done with a new 992.1 Turbo S Aero Package. This pack coincides with the launch of the tuner's new sub-brand, GW9, and takes the 911 Turbo S to new heights – but it also makes the already expensive 911 even less attainable. Source: Gunther Werks Eight-Piece Aero Package Is Both Tasteful And Functional Every component in the pack is crafted from aerospace-grade, pre-impregnanted carbon fiber that has been made using autoclave technology. This process increases stiffness by up to 30% when compared to conventional carbon fiber; either way, let's appreciate the properties of carbon fiber while we still can. The eight components available are: Rear wing Rear diffuser Side skirts Side intake trim Front intake trim Front spoiler with winglets Front spoiler winglets Front spoiler with side fins This is not some mad Mansory mission where visual impact trumps aerodynamics. Rather, GW9 has ensured that every part builds upon the 911 Turbo S' existing attributes. For instance, the rear wing optimizes stability at high speeds, while the rear diffuser reduces rear-end lift. The front spoiler with winglets was designed to boost front-end downforce, helping to keep the Turbo S glued to the asphalt. The side fins also contribute to stability at high speeds. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 'GW9 by Gunther Werks components are made specifically for modern Porsche fitments and our goal is to enhance the already great design, while giving our customers a unique package that stands out,' said Peter Nam, CEO and founder of Vorsteiner and Gunther Werks. 'GW9 exemplifies our innovation and craftsmanship and it offers a way for the Porsche community to access the Gunther Werks brand.' Components Can Be Purchased Individually, But They're Not Cheap The GW9 brand's site indicates pricing for each of the aero pack's components, and they range from $3,995 for the aero front spoiler winglets all the way to $13,195 for the rear wing. The combined price of all components (with the most expensive finishes) is just over $68,000. Add a set of four GW9 magnesium monoblock wheels, and the total swells to an eye-watering $84,740. That could buy you a brand-new Porsche 718 Cayman S. Then again, the base price of a new 911 Turbo S is already $230,400, so anyone who can afford that will likely also be able to afford a high-end carbon fiber aero package. As a subsidiary of Gunther Werks, which operates out of California, the GW9 brand is expected to expand in the months ahead. Currently, it also has aero packs for the 991.1 GT2 RS, 991.1 GT3 RS, and Taycan. Source: Gunther Werks 911 Turbo S Is A Scary Performer In case you needed reminding, the Porsche 911 Turbo S is a spectacular sports car. Its 3.7-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While some 911s are rear-wheel drive, such as the GT3 and GT3 RS, the Turbo S gets all-wheel-drive traction. This, plus the lightning-fast shifts of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, allows the Turbo S to streak from 0-60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. Keep your right foot planted, and you'll eventually hit a top speed of 205 mph. GW9 hasn't specified if its aero package improves on these figures in any way, but there's no doubt that any Turbo S is one of the quickest gas-powered cars in the world. Source: Gunther Werks About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile


The Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shades of distinction
EYEWEAR has evolved from a practical necessity to a defining accessory, one that signals attitude and identity. The latest 2025 collections from different brands capture this shift with striking clarity. These brands offer a lens into how eyewear is worn today in Malaysia and beyond. Boss Presented in a timeless black-and-white campaign fronted by tennis star and Boss ambassador Matteo Berrettini, Boss Eyewear reaffirms its ethos of style-driven self-determination. The 2025 collection channels this message through sleek silhouettes crafted from sustainable materials, ultra-thin hard acetate, stainless steel and Acetate Renew, which blends recycled and bio-based content. There is a quiet confidence to the Signature Light line, which features ultra-slim frames with signature Boss stripes and clean wire-core details. For those who lean towards bolder statements, the Signature Bold line presents opticals and sunglasses with chunky constructions and transparent layering, accented subtly with embossed logos. Meanwhile, the Carbon Fiber range speaks to performance-driven wearers who value durability, lightness and a refined edge. Across the board, be it for men or women, Boss delivers clean lines and clear intentions. Eyewear by David Beckham Inspired by the vast Moroccan landscape and the refined quiet of ancient riads, Eyewear by David Beckham tells a story of exploration and craftsmanship. Designed by Safilo and shaped by Beckham's British style sensibility, the collection features timeless silhouettes infused with technical finesse. A consistent hallmark throughout the line is the Talisman, a wing-inspired temple detail visible from every angle paired with the laser-etched DB monogram on the lens. The collection is divided into curated style families. The Style Pioneer collection makes a confident entrance with bold architectural frames, ideal for statement-making occasions, day or night. Chunky bevelled acetates, bent lugs and riveted hinges define this line, offering personality in every detail. A more rugged chapter comes through the motorcycle range – oversized pilot-shaped sunglasses inspired by Beckham's love for bikes, complete with glare-reducing spoilers and masculine metal temples. The Timeless Icons segment softens the mood with vintage-inflected silhouettes and ultra-tumbled surfaces that favour comfort and discretion. For purists, the Curator line delivers quiet sophistication with double-bridge styles, acetate and metal blends, and impeccable detailing, all designed for connoisseurs of quality. Carrera Carrera approaches 2025 at full throttle. With a campaign led by Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc and actor Lucien Laviscount, the brand's DNA, rooted in motorsports and boundary-pushing design, is unmistakably on display. The newest range plays with proportions and speed-inflected silhouettes. Think oversized wraparound visors, frameless shields and aerodynamic contours, crafted for the bold and style-conscious. The Carrera man or woman moves with intent – whether through traffic or on the tarmac, their eyewear reflects that urgency. Bold temples, mirrored lenses and sculptural edges ensure these frames never fade into the background. Engineered for impact and performance, Carrera's offerings are for those who wear their ambition on their face. Christian Louboutin Then there is Christian Louboutin, bringing unapologetic glamour to the eyewear arena. Known for its signature red soles, the fashion house translates its flair for drama into a collection that is part accessory, part couture. Every pair pulses with bold creativity such as dramatic contours, jewel-like embellishments and high-shine materials are the cornerstone of the collection. These sunglasses and opticals demand to be seen, whether framed in gold, edged in enamel or sculpted with spikes and curves. With rich palettes, luxurious finishes andarchitectural flourishes, they make a case for statement dressing from the eyes down. Designed for those who never do minimal, Louboutin's eyewear is joyfully excessive and fiercely directional. EssilorLuxottica Adding a fresh pulse to the eyewear landscape is EssilorLuxottica's N1'SS25 collection, a dynamic expression of future-forward design grounded in nature and nostalgia. From the soft glow of dusty pink lenses to the sharp geometry of alien-eye frames, this collection redefines how we see and how we are seen. Nature-inspired greens, transparent neutrals and soft metallics lend a grounded yet elevated feel, while experimental metals and distorted silhouettes push the boundaries of style. Highlights include the return of the oval frame, retro yet modern alongside bold reinterpretations of racer-inspired shapes and genderless palettes that span soft taupes to shimmering violets. Carolina Herrera Creative director Wes Gordon pays homage to the long-standing connection between the House of Herrera and Mexico, a bond woven with admiration, craftsmanship and a celebration of beauty, through Carolina Herrera's Resort 2025 Eyewear collection. It reflects the brand's signature femininity and sophistication. Expect bold, elegant shapes adorned with signature details such as the CH monogram and delicate metal bows. Particularly striking are the 'House of Herrera' silhouettes, oversized round or squared styles defined by metallic studs are a nod to the house's iconic polka dots, wide temple arms with sculptural white edging, and medallion finishes that add a dramatic flourish. The line offers a refined contrast, with chic two-tone arms revealed through meticulous milling, blending subtle CH branding with pops of unexpected colour. Vision, refined Together, these brands outline the new codes of eyewear in 2025. More than seasonal trends, they speak to enduring style values that capture confidence, individuality and clarity of purpose. In Malaysia's ever-adapting lifestyle climate, they do not just complete the look. They define it.


CBS News
04-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Moldy marijuana? Here's where potentially contaminated pot products were sold in Massachusetts.
BOSTON - Marijuana regulators in Massachusetts are letting the public know that certain pot products sold in the state recently are "potentially contaminated." The Cannabis Control Commission said mold and yeast were detected in some marijuana flower and pre-rolls. The products initially passed required testing, but additional compliance testing found contaminants "above acceptable limits." So far, there have not been any reports of people getting sick from contaminated marijuana. Potentially contaminated marijuana Below is the list of potentially contaminated products, and where they were sold. Anyone who bought the affected items should destroy them or return them to the store or treatment center where they were bought. Click here and here for a list of product batch numbers to look for. The commission said potentially contaminated strains of "Slap N Tickle" and "Tiger's Eye" were sold in jars and pre-rolls between Sept. 18, 2024 and Jan. 30, 2025. They were sold at: East Boston Cannabis Co. (Boston) Bud Barn (Winchendon) Liberty Cannabis (Springfield) Indica LLC (Adams) Capital Cannabis (Douglas) Quincy Cannabis Company (Quincy) Strains of marijuana called Carbon Fiber, Frosted Jungle, Highland OG and Silver Kush were also potentially contaminated and sold between May 31, 2024 and Jan. 23, 2025. Those products were sold at: 253 Organic, LLC (Montague) Ashli's, Inc. (Attleboro) KG Collective (Brockton, Cambridge) Holistic Industries, Inc. (Somerville, Springfield, Easthampton, Monson, Somerville) Enlite Cannabis Dispensary, LLC (Northampton, Springfield) Herbal Pathways (Pittsfield) Great Barrington Retail, Inc. (Great Barrington) 6 Bricks, LLC (Springfield) Cypress Tree Management Natick, Inc. (Natick) Erba C3 Dorchester LCC (Boston) Massachusetts Citizens for Social Equity LLC (Boston) Rooted In, LLC (Boston) Smokey Leaf LLC (Greenfield) ARL Healthcare Inc. (Quincy, Middleboro) Liberty Cannabis (Easthampton) Panacea Wellness (Quincy) Patriot Care Corp (Greenfield) Z&T Inc (Douglas) JimBuddys Rec Shop, Inc. (Chicopee) Turnbuckle Consulting Inc. (Pittsfield) TDMA LLC (Worcester) Ganesh Wellness Inc. (West Boylston) Northeast Alternatives Retail, LLC (New Bedford, Seekonk) Vedi Naturals LLC (Marlboro) B.O.T Realty, LLC (Fitchburg) Uma Flowers LLC (Pepperell, Lunenburg) Essex Apothecary, Inc. (Lynn)