{"id":8678,"date":"2017-11-06T09:30:18","date_gmt":"2017-11-06T17:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/?p=8678"},"modified":"2017-11-08T09:18:44","modified_gmt":"2017-11-08T17:18:44","slug":"composite-connectors-design-lightweight-structures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/composite-connectors-design-lightweight-structures\/","title":{"rendered":"Composite Connectors – An App That is Used to Design High Strength, Ultra-Lightweight Structures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today I am very excited to introduce the Fusion 360 community to a new app from our friends at The Product Launch company:\u00a0 Composite Connectors.\u00a0 I am excited about this for a number of reasons beyond just the general awesomeness of the composite connectors themselves.\u00a0 First of all the founders are longtime friends of the Fusion 360 family including longtime forum superuser:\u00a0 Peter Doering, aka TrippyLighting<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Next is what this represents, it is a vision of a connected product development process where designers are able to directly connect with supplier data, in real time, and seamlessly go from design on screen, to components in hand.\u00a0 With that, I’ll turn it over to the other founder, Pat Conarro, who will give an overview of exactly what they have been up to:<\/p>\n

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Composites are a popular choice for assemblies that need to be strong <\/span>and<\/b> lightweight. The problem for designers is that many structures using carbon fiber or Kevlar, require molds, layup tools, or post-process machining –which results in long lead times and expense. <\/span><\/p>\n

CompositeConnectors.co<\/span><\/a> is the solution you\u2019ve been waiting for, and is <\/span>NOW<\/b> available on the Autodesk app store! This engineered construction system drops components right into your design, in multiple stocked sizes, giving you quick turnaround while improving weight to strength ratio.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How Does It Work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is no ordinary erector set system and plugin. After much thought, and our commitment to the long-term Fusion 360 roadmap, we built something every designer wants in their toolbox.\"\"<\/p>\n

Do you ever get tired of going into your design, counting up parts, then heading back to the store to order and get things that you just downloaded? Real-time weights, costs and more inside of your CAD system should be natural and easy to use. We call it\u2026.drag, drop, and shop technology.<\/p>\n

Want to get the best price available on the web?\u00a0 Fusion 360 will have it anytime you calculate price because our app connects Fusion 360 directly to our store. Download the Composite Connector App<\/a> and start designing in a whole new way.<\/p>\n

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What Are Composite Connectors Different?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now, onto the parts themselves.\u00a0 We have multiple print heads in our 3D printers so Composite Connectors are built using carbon fiber strands, bound together with a carbon fiber\/nylon binder.\u00a0\u00a0 Our printer farm consists of Mark Forged<\/a> technology, that makes these great shapes.<\/p>\n

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Your drag and drop design world works better because we get you to checkout faster, so you can focus on designing and making, not purchasing\u00a0\u00a0 Also, the Fusion 360 components are smart because they talk to our store as soon as you start designing.<\/p>\n

Need to copy or modify a part?\u00a0 We count everything up in the menu when you\u2019re ready to check out, so feel free to copy and paste all day.<\/p>\n

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How Do I Bond These Connection Points with Carbon Fiber Tube and Plate?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every connection point has (2) fill holes, a hard stop, and a glue joint that amplifies the bond strength. When you cut open a Composite Connector, you will find a small glue joint that holds everything together.\u00a0 We have come up with a special epoxy glue system that ensures your bonds are at their highest strength when you finish the assembly process.\u00a0 Our static mixing tube couples up with each connection point glue portal.<\/p>\n

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Did we mention that these shapes are able to pass fluids and air at high temperatures?\u00a0 Need to run a wire to a sensor, or make a pneumatic mechanism move? We have built a plumbing system thru the inside.\u00a0 Many connectors also include bolt patterns so you can easily mount to the structure.<\/p>\n

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Are Our Epoxies Stronger Than Most?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In many cases, the 3K weave carbon fiber tube will fail before the connector joint bond.\u00a0 Because we developed an awesome epoxy with NanoTubes built into the resin side of the glue, our Carbon NanoTubes<\/a> are microscopic carbon fiber structures that provide an interlocking structure that is very hard to break.<\/p>\n

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What Can I Build with Composite Connectors?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, that is up to you?\u00a0 We have a long list of DIY kits that are going up on the store over the next 12 months. That said, your imagination can make the following:<\/p>\n