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07.02.2019

Hexcel Exhibits at Aero India 2019

Hexcel is exhibiting at the Aero India show for the sixth time, continuing to support customers in the Indian subcontinent and throughout Asia. This year’s show takes place in Bangalore from February 20-24 (Stand AB2.5D, Hall AB) to promote a range of carbon fibers and composites that are benefiting Indian aerospace manufacturers for commercial aircraft, helicopters and space programs.

To coincide with the show, Hexcel is announcing the opening of its new sales office, Hexcel Composites India LLP. The office is located in Bangalore and will be fully operational in March 2019. Mr Vijay Sharma, Sales Manager, and Mr Ram Kumar, Technical Representative, will manage the sales activities and support key customers in the region.

Hexcel has supplied carbon and glass fiber fabrics, prepregs, honeycombs and adhesives to Indian aerospace companies for more than 28 years, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), National Aerospace Lab (NAL), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and TATA Advanced Materials.

Hexcel is exhibiting at the Aero India show for the sixth time, continuing to support customers in the Indian subcontinent and throughout Asia. This year’s show takes place in Bangalore from February 20-24 (Stand AB2.5D, Hall AB) to promote a range of carbon fibers and composites that are benefiting Indian aerospace manufacturers for commercial aircraft, helicopters and space programs.

To coincide with the show, Hexcel is announcing the opening of its new sales office, Hexcel Composites India LLP. The office is located in Bangalore and will be fully operational in March 2019. Mr Vijay Sharma, Sales Manager, and Mr Ram Kumar, Technical Representative, will manage the sales activities and support key customers in the region.

Hexcel has supplied carbon and glass fiber fabrics, prepregs, honeycombs and adhesives to Indian aerospace companies for more than 28 years, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), National Aerospace Lab (NAL), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and TATA Advanced Materials.

Hexcel’s high strength and intermediate modulus carbon fiber range has been augmented by the launch of HexTow® HM63, a high modulus carbon fiber that has the highest tensile strength of any existing HM fiber. HexTow® HM63 provides outstanding translation of fiber properties in a composite, including superior inter-laminar shear and compression shear strength. HexTow® HM63 is therefore ideal for any high stiffness and strength-critical applications including space, satellites, UAV, commercial aerospace and helicopters.

Source:

AGENCE APOCOPE

(c) Sika
05.02.2019

JEC World 2019 Sika Advances Resins innovates with its new high-performance resin

At JEC World 2019, Sika Advanced Resins will unveil Ullit’s new composite tank for trucks that run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

Together with its tailor-made epoxy system designed by Sika Advanced Resins, who are a leader in the development and production of high-performance resins, the tank helps to reduce pollution in urban traffic.

An epoxy laminating system that adapts to different designs
The tank, which contains up to 320 liters is the same size as a conventional diesel fuel tank. "We have been innovating together for more than 10 years! Sika Advanced Resins has developed a specific resin for our new range of high-pressure tanks. This high-performance resin can be adapted to all design constraints, particularly for our very high-pressure hydrogen tanks, up to 700 bar," explains Ullit founder and CEO Claude Hembert.

At JEC World 2019, Sika Advanced Resins will unveil Ullit’s new composite tank for trucks that run on compressed natural gas (CNG).

Together with its tailor-made epoxy system designed by Sika Advanced Resins, who are a leader in the development and production of high-performance resins, the tank helps to reduce pollution in urban traffic.

An epoxy laminating system that adapts to different designs
The tank, which contains up to 320 liters is the same size as a conventional diesel fuel tank. "We have been innovating together for more than 10 years! Sika Advanced Resins has developed a specific resin for our new range of high-pressure tanks. This high-performance resin can be adapted to all design constraints, particularly for our very high-pressure hydrogen tanks, up to 700 bar," explains Ullit founder and CEO Claude Hembert.

Sika Advanced Resins has used its expertise to develop a tailor-made resin to withstand the cyclic pressurization loads on the filament-wound tanks. In combination with carbon fiber the resin provides mechanical resistance for different tank shapes including those for vehicles running on natural gas. "The tank is placed in the same place as a diesel fuel tank and avoids the need for transformations in trucks. In addition Ullit-Sika composites reduce the weight of the tank by a factor of four, a huge benefit when we estimate that one tonne saved on a truck saves four liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in urban traffic," explains Patrick Noirclerc, Local Expert Composites at Sika Advanced Resins.

More information:
JEC World 2019 Sika
Source:

Agence Apocope

05.02.2019

The 10 Startups shaking the Composites Industry at JEC World 2019

After the success of the two first editions, JEC World organizes the third edition of Startup Booster, the leading startup competition in Composites, where ten startups will present their innovation in front of a jury of experts.

EC Group launched Startup Booster programme in 2017 to get closer to the startup world, to attract the new generation of composites entrepreneurs and put them at the forefront of the industry.

The program gives the floor to 10 startups, each of them having five minutes to present their innovation, on March 12, 2019, from 10.30 AM in Agora Stage (Hall 5) in front of a jury of experts from the composites industry.

These 10 startups will be also showcasing within the Startup Booster Village, during the three days, and will benefit from a dedicated program, including workshops with Startup Booster Main Innovation partners’ Airbus & Daimler, and Innovation partner’s Altair.

After the success of the two first editions, JEC World organizes the third edition of Startup Booster, the leading startup competition in Composites, where ten startups will present their innovation in front of a jury of experts.

EC Group launched Startup Booster programme in 2017 to get closer to the startup world, to attract the new generation of composites entrepreneurs and put them at the forefront of the industry.

The program gives the floor to 10 startups, each of them having five minutes to present their innovation, on March 12, 2019, from 10.30 AM in Agora Stage (Hall 5) in front of a jury of experts from the composites industry.

These 10 startups will be also showcasing within the Startup Booster Village, during the three days, and will benefit from a dedicated program, including workshops with Startup Booster Main Innovation partners’ Airbus & Daimler, and Innovation partner’s Altair.

“Daimler being one of the main Innovation Partner of the Startup Booster, we are looking for innovations, in particular sustainable technologies and processes”, said Dr. Karl-Heinz FUELLER, Responsible for material innovations and BIW concept development, Daimler AG.

“As a main Innovation Partner of the Startup Booster competition we get fantastic direct engagement with the innovators who are defining solutions for the future”, said Jelle BLOEMHOF, Head of Manufacturing Technologies of Composite at Airbus.

More information:
JEC World JEC World 2019
Source:

Agence APOCOPE

(c) Babolat
12.11.2018

Chromarat expertise: At the hear of BABOLAT’s new tennis racket, “PURE AERO”

CHOMARAT, the expert in composites reinforcements, is the partner of BABOLAT with its multiaxial carbon, C-PLY™ Hexagonal. Indeed, the specialist racket sports goods manufacturer is launching the new version of the BABOLAT’s Pure Aero. A combination of ultra-modern design and high performance, this tennis racket for champions has made an appearance on the courts of the Rolex Paris Masters. “We are very proud to be chosen by BABOLAT. Our new carbon reinforcement, added to the heart of the racket, enables better control and makes each shot more precise and stable,” says Pascal JOUBERT DES OUCHES, Sports Equipment Market Director at CHOMARAT.

C-PLYTM HEXAGONAL, THE PERFECT ALLIANCE OF PERFORMANCE & DESIGN

CHOMARAT, the expert in composites reinforcements, is the partner of BABOLAT with its multiaxial carbon, C-PLY™ Hexagonal. Indeed, the specialist racket sports goods manufacturer is launching the new version of the BABOLAT’s Pure Aero. A combination of ultra-modern design and high performance, this tennis racket for champions has made an appearance on the courts of the Rolex Paris Masters. “We are very proud to be chosen by BABOLAT. Our new carbon reinforcement, added to the heart of the racket, enables better control and makes each shot more precise and stable,” says Pascal JOUBERT DES OUCHES, Sports Equipment Market Director at CHOMARAT.

C-PLYTM HEXAGONAL, THE PERFECT ALLIANCE OF PERFORMANCE & DESIGN
The addition of C-PLY™, CHOMARAT’s multiaxial carbon reinforcement, to the core of the BABOLAT’s Pure Aero has increased the racket’s stability while enhancing its performance. The specificity of the reinforcement lies in its stitching thread. “This unique thread brings out the color of the resin pigments because it has been designed to remain visible after its impregnation. It also contributes to extra reinforcement and an exceptional design!” concludes Pascal JOUBERT DES OUCHES.

More information:
CHOMARAT Babolat
Source:

APOCOPE agency

(c) CHOMARAT
05.11.2018

Chomarat invests in a new laid scrim manufacturing technology to develop its next generation reinforcements

Chomarat has specialized in scrim reinforcements for construction materials for more than 50 years. Now, it has invested in a new pilot production line to develop its next generation of reinforcements. Unique in the market and designed entirely by CHOMARAT’s teams, this technological innovation was born by the Group’s body of technological know-how. Conceived for the development of next generation cement board and roof-waterproofing reinforcements, the machine is versatile for developing materials for new markets. The new line will become operational in early 2019 at CHOMARAT’s construction plant in Anderson, South Carolina, USA.

Chomarat has specialized in scrim reinforcements for construction materials for more than 50 years. Now, it has invested in a new pilot production line to develop its next generation of reinforcements. Unique in the market and designed entirely by CHOMARAT’s teams, this technological innovation was born by the Group’s body of technological know-how. Conceived for the development of next generation cement board and roof-waterproofing reinforcements, the machine is versatile for developing materials for new markets. The new line will become operational in early 2019 at CHOMARAT’s construction plant in Anderson, South Carolina, USA.

A technological innovation for higher performance
The new pilot line will enable CHOMARAT to accelerate its development projects focusing on cost, performance and sustainability. The Group’s goal is to launch a new generation of laid scrim reinforcements for construction materials, with incomparable performance. “We are working on all the parameters (technological, chemical formulations, textile fibers) to optimize the performance of CHOMARAT scrims, such as protecting glass against alkali in cement or increasing impact resistance and water repellency. We plan to stay in front of economic and environmental challenges facing the construction market,” explains Raphaël PLEYNET, Director of Composites & Construction Europe at CHOMARAT.

“This pilot scrim line is a key element in the Group’s global innovation and development strategy. The technological developments achieved on this equipment will enable us to lead through innovation, meet the challenges to come for construction materials, and enhance our value to the market” adds John LEATHAM, Director of Sales and Marketing at CHOMARAT North America.

Combining expertise from textile and chemical-formulation technologies
The scrims designed and developed by CHOMARAT are reputed for their advantages: dimensional stability, laminating quality with other materials (film or veils), excellent mechanical performance, and very good protection against the alkalinity of cement. “CHOMARAT’s knowhow in laid-scrim manufacturing is based on the combined expertise in textile and chemical-formulation technologies. With this new pilot technology, CHOMARAT will be able to build on these two advantages and propose even better-performing materials!” concludes Philippe SANIAL, Director of Research & Technologies at CHOMARAT.

More information:
CHOMARAT
Source:

AGENCE APOCOPE

Concrete bar stool with hybrid carbon reinforcement for fast, cost-efficient part production (c) Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University
29.10.2018

ITA at the Composites Europe 2018 in Stuttgart

At the Composites Europe in Stuttgart /06 - 08 November 2018), the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University, short ITA, will be showing products, components and machines along the fibre composite process chain. The ITA will present itself at the booth of the Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Construction (AZL) in hall 9, booth E70. Various demonstrators will be used to present selected innovative processes and products over the individual steps. The exhibits come from different fields of application: From mobility applications to the construction sector. Here is an example from the field of "construction composites":

With the concrete bar stool with hybrid carbon reinforcement, the ITA demonstrates that textiles as reinforcement structures for concrete elements allow a enormous geometrical freedom of Design. So far, manual positioning of the textile reinforcement used to be time-consuming and complex, as permitted tolerances are in the millimetre range. Thus the production mainly contributed to the high costs of textile concrete.

At the Composites Europe in Stuttgart /06 - 08 November 2018), the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University, short ITA, will be showing products, components and machines along the fibre composite process chain. The ITA will present itself at the booth of the Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Construction (AZL) in hall 9, booth E70. Various demonstrators will be used to present selected innovative processes and products over the individual steps. The exhibits come from different fields of application: From mobility applications to the construction sector. Here is an example from the field of "construction composites":

With the concrete bar stool with hybrid carbon reinforcement, the ITA demonstrates that textiles as reinforcement structures for concrete elements allow a enormous geometrical freedom of Design. So far, manual positioning of the textile reinforcement used to be time-consuming and complex, as permitted tolerances are in the millimetre range. Thus the production mainly contributed to the high costs of textile concrete.

At the ITA, the two industrial partners Albani Group GmbH & Co. KG and DuraPact 2.0 Kompetenzzentrum Faserbeton GmbH developed a new hybrid reinforcement with integrated spacer. This hybrid reinforcement reduces the time required to position the reinforcement by up to 60 percent and thus makes the material significantly more

The new, cost-effective hybrid reinforcement contains an integrated spacer and thus faciliates the positioning of dry and coated reinforcements. The integrated spacer allows several layers of reinforcement to be stacked quickly, allowing the desired degree of reinforcement to be set. The hybrid reinforcement consists of a carbon or glass fibre grid joined with a permeable polyamide mat and will be available in roll form from industrial partners in the near future.

More information:
Composites AZL
Source:

Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

Barhocker aus Beton mit hybrider Carbon-Bewehrung zur schnellen, kosteneffizienten Positionierung der Textilbewehrung (c) Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University
29.10.2018

ITA auf der Composites Europe 2018 in Stuttgart

Das Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University, kurz ITA, zeigt auf der Composites Europe in Stuttgart vom 06.-08. November Produkte, Bauteile und Maschinen entlang der Faserverbundprozesskette. Das ITA präsentiert sich auf dem Stand des Aachener Zentrums für integrativen Leichtbau (AZL) in Halle 9, Stand E70. Anhand verschiedener Demonstratoren werden ausgewählte innovative Prozesse und Produkte über die einzelnen Schritte hin dargestellt. Die Exponate stammen aus unterschiedlichen Anwendungsfeldern: Von Mobilitätsanwendungen bis hin zur Baubranche. Anbei ein Beispiel aus dem Baubereich:

Durch den Barhocker aus Beton mit hybrider Carbon-Textilbewehrung beweist das ITA, dass Textilbetonelemente eine enorme geometrische Gestaltungsfreiheit ermöglichen und gleichzeitig einfach herstellbar sind. Bislang war die manuelle Positionierung der Textilbewehrung zeitaufwändig und komplex, da zulässige Toleranzen im Millimeterbereich liegen. So trug die Fertigung hauptsächlich zu den hohen Kosten von Textilbeton bei.

Das Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University, kurz ITA, zeigt auf der Composites Europe in Stuttgart vom 06.-08. November Produkte, Bauteile und Maschinen entlang der Faserverbundprozesskette. Das ITA präsentiert sich auf dem Stand des Aachener Zentrums für integrativen Leichtbau (AZL) in Halle 9, Stand E70. Anhand verschiedener Demonstratoren werden ausgewählte innovative Prozesse und Produkte über die einzelnen Schritte hin dargestellt. Die Exponate stammen aus unterschiedlichen Anwendungsfeldern: Von Mobilitätsanwendungen bis hin zur Baubranche. Anbei ein Beispiel aus dem Baubereich:

Durch den Barhocker aus Beton mit hybrider Carbon-Textilbewehrung beweist das ITA, dass Textilbetonelemente eine enorme geometrische Gestaltungsfreiheit ermöglichen und gleichzeitig einfach herstellbar sind. Bislang war die manuelle Positionierung der Textilbewehrung zeitaufwändig und komplex, da zulässige Toleranzen im Millimeterbereich liegen. So trug die Fertigung hauptsächlich zu den hohen Kosten von Textilbeton bei.

Am ITA wurde gemeinsam mit den beiden Industriepartnern Albani Group GmbH & Co. KG und DuraPact 2.0 Kompetenzzentrum Faserbeton GmbH eine neue Hybridbewehrung mit integriertem Ab-standshalter entwickelt. Diese Hybridbewehrung senkt die erforderliche Zeit zur Positionierung der Bewehrung um bis zu 60 Prozent und macht den Werkstoff damit deutlich wettbewerbsfähiger.

Die kostengünstige, hybride Bewehrung enthält einen integrierten Abstandshalter und ermöglicht damit die einfache Positionierung von trockenen und beschichteten Bewehrungen. Durch den integrierten Abstandhalter lassen sich schnell mehrere Bewehrungslagen stapeln, wodurch der gewünschte Bewehrungsgrad einstellbar ist. Die Hybridbewehrung besteht aus einem Carbon- oder Glasfasergitter, das mit einer durchlässigen Matte aus Polyamid gefügt ist und in naher Zukunft bei den Industriepartnern als Rollenware erhältlich ist.

More information:
Composites AZL
Source:

Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

CHOMARAT Reinforcements, 3 Examples Offered in Live Demos at CAMX 2018 EXPO
Travis IRVIN, in live demos at CAMX 2017
17.10.2018

CHOMARAT Reinforcements, 3 Examples Offered in Live Demos at CAMX 2018 EXPO

  • 16-18 October 2018, Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, Dallas, TX

A skateboard, architectural panels and a rigid roof for boats – all three products rely on CHOMARAT composite reinforcements. The three designs will be on display at CAMX Expo in the demonstration area of COMPOSITES ONE, partner of CHOMARAT and leader in composites distribution in North America. CHOMARAT’s reinforcements enable to give unique properties to these three applications.

Proof positive: reinforcements offer design flexibility & improved mechanical performance

These three applications give CHOMARAT the opportunity to demonstrate the performance of its uniquely designed reinforcements in real time. “The skateboard combines Rovicore™, the multi-function closed-mold reinforcement developed by CHOMARAT, with C-Weave™, its woven carbon fabric that offers both structural performance and aesthetics to the design. Rovicore™ provides the permeability, while C-Weave™ provides the carbon aspect,” explains Brian Laufenberg, president, CHOMARAT North America.

  • 16-18 October 2018, Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, Dallas, TX

A skateboard, architectural panels and a rigid roof for boats – all three products rely on CHOMARAT composite reinforcements. The three designs will be on display at CAMX Expo in the demonstration area of COMPOSITES ONE, partner of CHOMARAT and leader in composites distribution in North America. CHOMARAT’s reinforcements enable to give unique properties to these three applications.

Proof positive: reinforcements offer design flexibility & improved mechanical performance

These three applications give CHOMARAT the opportunity to demonstrate the performance of its uniquely designed reinforcements in real time. “The skateboard combines Rovicore™, the multi-function closed-mold reinforcement developed by CHOMARAT, with C-Weave™, its woven carbon fabric that offers both structural performance and aesthetics to the design. Rovicore™ provides the permeability, while C-Weave™ provides the carbon aspect,” explains Brian Laufenberg, president, CHOMARAT North America.

During the live demos, architectural panels using Rovicore™ and a rigid boat roof in RTM will also be made. “With 60 years of expertise in designing composite reinforcements, CHOMARAT demonstrates that its reinforcements offer excellent mechanical performance and design for a large number of projects in sectors as diverse as sport and leisure, marine and building,” adds Travis IRVIN, Sales Manager and Closed Mould Process Expert at CHOMARAT.

Meet CHOMARAT teams at BOOTH V39 and see Live demos in the COMPOSITES ONE demonstration area at CAMX 2018 EXPO

More information:
CHOMARAT Composites CAMX 2018 EXPO
Source:

AGENCE APOCOPE

JEC Asia returns to COEX, Seoul (c) JEC Group
04.09.2018

JEC Asia returns to COEX, Seoul

  • Back to Seoul: JEC Asia gathers the composites industry in Korea for its 11th edition
  • JEC Asia, November 14-16, 2018 – COEX Center, Seoul, South Korea

Paris - After the record-breaking figures of the 2017 edition, that marked the move of JEC Asia from Singapore to Seoul, the event is returning to the capital city of the Republic of Korea with a strong program, not only on the exhibition floor, but also in the conference sessions and all services at the disposal of every attendee.

“We are very grateful for the support of the industry, government bodies, and academics, regarding the evolution of JEC Asia, that has led to the success of the platform. Indeed, 90% of the show floor is already booked which bodes well for the preparation of the event.” Commented Christian STRASSBURGER, Events Director Asia for JEC Group.

“On top of that, the event is truly international, as 45% of the exhibitors are coming from outside Asia. JEC Asia will welcome pavilions from Germany, France, Italy, Japan, China and Singapore, as well as the major composite clusters in Korea.” He added.

  • Back to Seoul: JEC Asia gathers the composites industry in Korea for its 11th edition
  • JEC Asia, November 14-16, 2018 – COEX Center, Seoul, South Korea

Paris - After the record-breaking figures of the 2017 edition, that marked the move of JEC Asia from Singapore to Seoul, the event is returning to the capital city of the Republic of Korea with a strong program, not only on the exhibition floor, but also in the conference sessions and all services at the disposal of every attendee.

“We are very grateful for the support of the industry, government bodies, and academics, regarding the evolution of JEC Asia, that has led to the success of the platform. Indeed, 90% of the show floor is already booked which bodes well for the preparation of the event.” Commented Christian STRASSBURGER, Events Director Asia for JEC Group.

“On top of that, the event is truly international, as 45% of the exhibitors are coming from outside Asia. JEC Asia will welcome pavilions from Germany, France, Italy, Japan, China and Singapore, as well as the major composite clusters in Korea.” He added.

FOCUS ON THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

The future of mobility is a hot topic for composite materials and JEC Asia will represent, promote and provide information about the increasing integration of composites in automotive developments.
Numerous programs will be offered, such as a whole day conference on Composites in Automotive, a Leadership Composites Circle, an Auto Planet, showcasing parts, a B2B meetings program, a JEC Innovation´Award category and Composites tours (site visits of composite-related facilities).

Finally, for the second time, JEC Asia will host the International Carbon Festival, organized by KCTECH and the Jeonju region, with top-notch conferences and international speakers.

Key Figures 2017

  • +230 companies
  • 6,271 professional visits
  • 43 speakers
  • 42 countries represented
  • 12 JEC Innovation Awards
  • 400 B2B meetings
  • 2 Composites Tour
Source:

AGENCE APOCOPE

03.09.2018

New ENGEL Injection Molding System at AZL of RWTH Aachen University

The Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production (AZL) of RWTH Aachen University is installing a new ENGEL injection molding system in its technical center. Engel Deutschland GmbH – in cooperation with the ENGEL Centre for Lightweight Composite Technologies in Austria – will install the 2-component injection molding system with turning plate and 17,000 kN clamping force in 2019. This machine setup is the basis for further developments of efficient inline-combination technologies using different kinds of polymer performance materials.

The ENGEL injection molding system will enable innovative combinations of already established fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) processes and the development of new individual processes. The focus is on increasing resource efficiency in lightweight production. With the new equipment, new research and development initiatives can explore the more efficient use of materials, which are eventually the key to the mass production of lightweight components. The research will address multi-material systems, continuous processes, process chains as well as self-optimizing processes.

The Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production (AZL) of RWTH Aachen University is installing a new ENGEL injection molding system in its technical center. Engel Deutschland GmbH – in cooperation with the ENGEL Centre for Lightweight Composite Technologies in Austria – will install the 2-component injection molding system with turning plate and 17,000 kN clamping force in 2019. This machine setup is the basis for further developments of efficient inline-combination technologies using different kinds of polymer performance materials.

The ENGEL injection molding system will enable innovative combinations of already established fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) processes and the development of new individual processes. The focus is on increasing resource efficiency in lightweight production. With the new equipment, new research and development initiatives can explore the more efficient use of materials, which are eventually the key to the mass production of lightweight components. The research will address multi-material systems, continuous processes, process chains as well as self-optimizing processes.

Dr.-Ing. Michael Emonts, Managing Director of the Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production (AZL) is looking forward to realizing new innovative lightweight production process with the new injection molding system: “This new injection molding system offers us as specialists for lightweight production technology in cooperation with the injection molding experts of the Institute of Plastics Processing – the IKV – the opportunity to establish hybrid processes for industrial lightweight applications. The system will expand our existing machinery in the AZL Technical Center and will be available as an important platform for lightweight production research at RWTH Aachen University.”

Being a Partner of the AZL, ENGEL has already been working closely with the AZL for many years as a Partner Company of the AZL Partner Network. Dr. Stefan Engleder, CEO of the ENGEL Group, emphasizes the importance of close collaboration with technical universities and especially with the AZL: “The AZL provides great conditions for industry-related research activities in the field of lightweight composites as it is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary approach. It benefits from the great infrastructure and the collaboration with well-known institutes of the RTWH Aachen University. ENGEL is looking forward to working together with the AZL on developing efficient lightweight composite mass production processes.”

In addition to the numerous composite and lightweight equipment at the RWTH Aachen Campus, the AZL Technical Center comprises large-scale equipment for the development of processes for lightweight production, such as a composite press from Schuler Pressen GmbH with 18,000 kN clamping force.

 

(c) ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbH: (l. to r.) Dr. Norbert Müller (Leiter des ENGEL Technologiezentrums für Leichtbau-Composites), Dr. Michael Emonts (Geschäftsführer des Aachener Zentrums für integrativen Leichtbau (AZL) der RWTH Aachen), Rolf Saß (Geschäftsführer der ENGEL Deutschland GmbH) und Dr. Christoph Steger (Geschäftsführer Vertrieb der ENGEL Holding).
03.09.2018

ENGEL installiert neues Spritzgießsystem im AZL der RWTH Aachen

Das Aachener Zentrum für Integrative Leichtbau (AZL) der RWTH Aachen installiert in seinem Technikum eine neue ENGEL-Spritzgießanlage. Die ENGEL Deutschland GmbH, in Kooperation mit dem ENGEL Technologiezentrum für Leichtbau-Composites in Österreich, wird das 2-Komponenten-Spritzgieß-System mit Drehtisch und 17.000 kN Schließkraft im Jahr 2019 in Betrieb nehmen. Dieser Maschinenaufbau ist die Basis für die Weiterentwicklung effizienter Inline-Kombinations-Technologien mit unterschiedlichen Polymerwerkstoffen.

Das ENGEL-Spritzgießsystem ermöglicht die innovative Kombination bereits etablierter Faserverbundkunststoff-Verfahren und die Entwicklung neuer individueller Verfahren. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Steigerung der Ressourceneffizienz in der Leichtbau-Produktion. Mit der neuen Anlage können neue Forschungs- und Entwicklungsinitiativen einen effizienteren Materialeinsatz adressieren, der letztlich der Schlüssel zur Massenproduktion von Leichtbauteilen ist. Der Fokus wird dabei auf Multimaterialsystemen, kontinuierlichen Prozessen und Prozessketten sowie selbstoptimierenden Prozesse liegen.

Das Aachener Zentrum für Integrative Leichtbau (AZL) der RWTH Aachen installiert in seinem Technikum eine neue ENGEL-Spritzgießanlage. Die ENGEL Deutschland GmbH, in Kooperation mit dem ENGEL Technologiezentrum für Leichtbau-Composites in Österreich, wird das 2-Komponenten-Spritzgieß-System mit Drehtisch und 17.000 kN Schließkraft im Jahr 2019 in Betrieb nehmen. Dieser Maschinenaufbau ist die Basis für die Weiterentwicklung effizienter Inline-Kombinations-Technologien mit unterschiedlichen Polymerwerkstoffen.

Das ENGEL-Spritzgießsystem ermöglicht die innovative Kombination bereits etablierter Faserverbundkunststoff-Verfahren und die Entwicklung neuer individueller Verfahren. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Steigerung der Ressourceneffizienz in der Leichtbau-Produktion. Mit der neuen Anlage können neue Forschungs- und Entwicklungsinitiativen einen effizienteren Materialeinsatz adressieren, der letztlich der Schlüssel zur Massenproduktion von Leichtbauteilen ist. Der Fokus wird dabei auf Multimaterialsystemen, kontinuierlichen Prozessen und Prozessketten sowie selbstoptimierenden Prozesse liegen.

Dr.-Ing. Michael Emonts, Geschäftsführer des Aachener Zentrums für integrativen Leichtbau (AZL) freut sich darauf, mit dem neuen Spritzgießsystem neue innovative Leichtbauverfahren zu realisieren: „Diese neue Spritzgießanlage bietet uns als Spezialisten für die Leichtbau-Produktionstechnik in Kooperation mit den Spritzgießexperten des Instituts für Kunststoffverarbeitung – dem IKV – die Möglichkeit, Hybridverfahren für industrielle Leichtbau-Anwendungen zu etablieren. Das System wird unseren bestehenden Maschinenpark im AZL-Technikum erweitern und als wichtige Plattform für die Leichtbau-Forschung an der RWTH zur Verfügung stehen."

Als aktive Partnerfirma des AZL-Partnernetzwerks arbeitet ENGEL bereits seit vielen Jahren eng mit dem AZL zusammen. Dr. Stefan Engleder, CEO der ENGEL-Gruppe, betont die Bedeutung dieser engen Zusammenarbeit mit den Technischen Universitäten und insbesondere mit dem AZL: „Das AZL bietet beste Voraussetzungen für industrienahe Forschungsaktivitäten im Bereich Leichtbau-Verbundwerkstoffe, da es sich durch einen starken interdisziplinären Ansatz auszeichnet. Das AZL profitiert von der guten Infrastruktur und der Zusammenarbeit mit namhaften Instituten der RTWH Aachen. ENGEL freut sich auf die Zusammenarbeit mit dem AZL bei der Entwicklung effizienter Leichtbau-Verbundwerkstoff-Massenproduktionsverfahren.“

Das AZL-Technikum umfasst neben den zahlreichen Faserverbund- und Leichtbauanlagen auf dem Campus der RWTH Aachen zusätzliches Großserien-Equipment für die Entwicklung von Verfahren zur Leichtbau-Produktion, wie zum Beispiel eine Composite-Presse der Schuler Pressen GmbH mit 18.000 kN Schließkraft.

More information:
AZL
Source:

AZL Aachen GmbH

17.07.2018

Hexcel and Gazechim Join to Provide Kitting Services to Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Markets

Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL) and Groupe Gazechim Composites, an official Hexcel distributor for more than 20 years, have reached agreement to provide customized kitting services for advanced composite materials sold to aerospace and defense customers and for high-performance industrial applications.

The joint venture, named HexCut Services, brings together Hexcel – a leader in advanced composites – and Gazechim – a leader in distribution and logistics – to provide pan-European kitting services that will include Hexcel’s innovative carbon fiber prepreg and other composite materials such as adhesives and fabrics for aerospace, defense and industrial applications. Pre-cut kits save customers time and investment, reduce inventory and minimize material losses through scrap reduction.

Gazechim’s existing kitting plant in Maulévrier, 75km east of Nantes (France), acquired in 2016, will be the initial hub for providing pre-cut kits to customers as well as central services in the future to a network of local kitting facilities in Europe.

Hexcel Corporation (NYSE: HXL) and Groupe Gazechim Composites, an official Hexcel distributor for more than 20 years, have reached agreement to provide customized kitting services for advanced composite materials sold to aerospace and defense customers and for high-performance industrial applications.

The joint venture, named HexCut Services, brings together Hexcel – a leader in advanced composites – and Gazechim – a leader in distribution and logistics – to provide pan-European kitting services that will include Hexcel’s innovative carbon fiber prepreg and other composite materials such as adhesives and fabrics for aerospace, defense and industrial applications. Pre-cut kits save customers time and investment, reduce inventory and minimize material losses through scrap reduction.

Gazechim’s existing kitting plant in Maulévrier, 75km east of Nantes (France), acquired in 2016, will be the initial hub for providing pre-cut kits to customers as well as central services in the future to a network of local kitting facilities in Europe.

Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President – Aerospace, Europe, MEA and Asia/Pacific, said, “This is a great opportunity for us to join together with Gazechim, a trusted and well-established partner, to offer our leading advanced composite products to customers in a way that helps them become more productive and profitable.”

Gazechim will own a majority share of the joint venture. Jean Guittard, Chairman Gazechim, said, “This project marks a new era between Hexcel and Gazechim and consolidates our long-term partnership of almost 20 years.”

 

More information:
Hexcel
Source:

AGENCE APOCOPE

Hexcel to Exhibit at Toulouse Space Show 2018
Hexcel to Exhibit at Toulouse Space Show 2018
25.06.2018

Hexcel to Exhibit at Toulouse Space Show 2018

Hexcel is exhibiting at the Toulouse Space Show on June 26-28 to promote its latest technologies and innovations in composites for space applications. More than 3,000 visitors are expected at this major international forum that is dedicated to novel solutions for space.

Hexcel’s promotions will feature a number of 3D-printed flight-ready carbon fiber parts manufactured from HexAM™ additive manufacturing technology, combining high performance PEKK thermoplastics with aerospace grade carbon fiber. HexPEKK™ structures offer significant weight, cost and time-to-market reductions, replacing traditional cast or machined metallic parts in highly demanding aerospace, satellite and defense applications.

Hexcel is exhibiting at the Toulouse Space Show on June 26-28 to promote its latest technologies and innovations in composites for space applications. More than 3,000 visitors are expected at this major international forum that is dedicated to novel solutions for space.

Hexcel’s promotions will feature a number of 3D-printed flight-ready carbon fiber parts manufactured from HexAM™ additive manufacturing technology, combining high performance PEKK thermoplastics with aerospace grade carbon fiber. HexPEKK™ structures offer significant weight, cost and time-to-market reductions, replacing traditional cast or machined metallic parts in highly demanding aerospace, satellite and defense applications.

Other Hexcel solutions for space applications include carbon fiber, prepregs and honeycomb materials with proven performance for satellite structures and launchers.

Hexcel Corporation is a leading advanced composites company. It develops, manufactures and markets lightweight, high-performance structural materials including carbon fibers, specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, honeycomb, adhesives, engineered core and composite structures for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense and industrial applications.

Source:

AGENCE APOCOPE

Textil erobert die Luft – ZiTex NRW und Lufthansa Technik (c) ZiTex-Textil & Mode NRW
Textil erobert die Luft – ZiTex NRW und Lufthansa Technik
12.06.2018

Textil erobert die Luft – ZiTex NRW und Lufthansa Technik

Die „ZiTex-Textil & Mode NRW“ hatte am 12. Juni zu einem Pressetermin Düsseldorfer Flughafen eingeladen. Unter dem Motto ‚Textil erobert die Luft‘ eröffnete Detlef Braun, Leiter der ZiTex mit einem Brancheneinblick die Veranstaltung. Nach zwei informativen Vorträgen der Unternehmen ANKER und SAERTEX gab es die Gelegenheit in der Lufthansawerft die Anwendung der technischen Textilien in zwei Maschinen vom Typ A330 (Langstrecke) und A320 aus der Nähe zu begutachten.

Die „ZiTex-Textil & Mode NRW“ hatte am 12. Juni zu einem Pressetermin Düsseldorfer Flughafen eingeladen. Unter dem Motto ‚Textil erobert die Luft‘ eröffnete Detlef Braun, Leiter der ZiTex mit einem Brancheneinblick die Veranstaltung. Nach zwei informativen Vorträgen der Unternehmen ANKER und SAERTEX gab es die Gelegenheit in der Lufthansawerft die Anwendung der technischen Textilien in zwei Maschinen vom Typ A330 (Langstrecke) und A320 aus der Nähe zu begutachten.

Hightech-Textilien zum Anfassen
Bereits der erste Blick in die Wartungshalle des Hangar 7 sorgte für großes Staunen: Die imposante Lufthansa Maschine des Typus A330, die fast täglich von Düsseldorf nach New York fliegt, steht dienstags zu Wartungsarbeiten im Hangar und bot die perfekte Kulisse, sich die Hightech-Textilien einmal aus der Nähe anzuschauen. Das war sowohl für die Veranstalter als auch die Pressevertreter eine ganz neue Erfahrung. „Ich freue mich sehr, dass wir mit dieser Veranstaltung die innovative Textilindustrie so informativ, praxisnah und erlebnisreich präsentieren konnten“, sagt Detlef Braun begeistert: „Veranstaltungen wie diese tragen dazu bei, den Hightech-Charakter der Branche nachhaltig zu verdeutlichen. Textil ist Zukunft! Dies wurde am Beispiel des Flugzeugs heute mehr als deutlich.“

Ruhig & Robust – Airline Teppichböden
Für das Unternehmen ANKER, traditionsreicher Webteppichboden-Spezialist mit Sitz im rheinischen Düren, referierte Alexander von Fuchs-Nordhoff, Sales Director, über den Einsatz der Teppichböden in Flugzeugen. Zum 50. Jubiläum in diesem Jahr der ANKER Teppiche in der Luftfahrt passte das Event ganz besonders, wurde der erste ANKER Airline Teppich 1968 in einer Lufthansa Maschine verlegt. Dabei gibt es die unterschiedlichsten Varianten der Material-Beschaffung und -Verarbeitung sowie Anbringung der Teppiche. Besonders innovativ: der leichteste Teppich in einem Flugzeug überhaupt, der mit 800 Gramm pro Quadratmeter um die Hälfte leichter ist als die herkömmlichen Varianten und damit deutliche Kerosin-Einsparungen ermöglicht. Durch die Zusammenarbeit mit international renommierten Architekten und Innenarchitekten liegen ANKER Teppichböden weltweit sowohl in Flugzeugen als auch in unzähligen Bürogebäuden, Hotels und öffentlichen Gebäuden. Neben der Kreativität setzt ANKER branchenweit Maßstäbe für Nachhaltigkeit und Innovation.

Stabil & Energiesparend – Tragflächen & Strukturbauteile
Steven Bakker, Global Director Business Unit New Products & New Markets von SAERTEX, einem Familienunternehmen, das Weltmarktführer in der Herstellung von Carbongelegen ist, präsentierte deren unterschiedliche Einsatzbereiche im Flugzeug: in den Tragflächen, der Druckkalotte sowie Stringerelemente und Verkleidungsteile und erläuterte, welchen besonderen Gegebenheiten die Materialien standhalten müssen. Insbesondere die Luftfahrt setzt auf solche Composites, die durch Verstärkungsmaterialien aus Glas-, Carbon- und Aramid-Fasern an Leichtigkeit, Stabilität und Korrosionsbeständigkeit gewinnen. Als Weltneuheit konnte Saertex im März dieses Jahres auf der JEC WORLD 2018 in Paris, der Fachmesse für Verbundwerkstoffe, ein Verfahren vorstellen, das Carbon Gelege automatisch, kontinuierlich und ohne Zerstörung auf Schäden, Lücken und Krümmungen prüft. Airbus setzt dieses Verfahren zur Materialprüfung bereits in Serie ein.

Einblicke in die Praxis vermittelte die Lufthansa Technik
Im Hangar Nr. 7 der Lufthansa Technik erfuhren die Presseteilnehmer viele Details von Wartungsleiter, Sascha Bongartz. Die Lufthansa Technik Gruppe ist ein Geschäftsfeld der Deutschen Lufthansa AG rund um die Themen Wartung und Überholung von Flugzeugen, Geräteversorgung, Triebwerke, Fahrwerke und VIP-Services. Mit 50 Standorten auf der ganzen Welt und 26.700 Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern – davon rund 11.000 in Deutschland – ist die Lufthansa Weltmarktführer im Bereich luftfahrttechnischer Dienstleistungen.

Source:

ZiTex-Textil & Mode NRW

05.06.2018

Beaulieu Fibres International gets to the heart of Asia’s growth segment needs at ANEX 2018

  • Fibres for automotive composites, technical textiles, hygiene and medical nonwovens
  • UltraLink fibres offer sustainable system cost reduction solutions to the automotive industry
  • Meralux offers improved liquid management for a dry feeling
  • Stand 2034, ANEX 2018, 6-8 June, Tokyo Big Sight, Japan

Beaulieu Fibres International, the leading European polyolefin fibre supplier, marks its Asia Nonwovens Exhibition and Conference (ANEX) debut with unique products and capabilities to support innovation at a local level within the automotive and hygiene segments.

At Stand 2034, Beaulieu Fibres International demonstrates its commitment to the global market growth for automotive composites and technical textiles, as interest increases in adopting lightweight materials to reduce vehicle weight and fuel efficiency.

  • Fibres for automotive composites, technical textiles, hygiene and medical nonwovens
  • UltraLink fibres offer sustainable system cost reduction solutions to the automotive industry
  • Meralux offers improved liquid management for a dry feeling
  • Stand 2034, ANEX 2018, 6-8 June, Tokyo Big Sight, Japan

Beaulieu Fibres International, the leading European polyolefin fibre supplier, marks its Asia Nonwovens Exhibition and Conference (ANEX) debut with unique products and capabilities to support innovation at a local level within the automotive and hygiene segments.

At Stand 2034, Beaulieu Fibres International demonstrates its commitment to the global market growth for automotive composites and technical textiles, as interest increases in adopting lightweight materials to reduce vehicle weight and fuel efficiency.

The company will present UltraLink bonding fibres that improve the mechanical, thermal and functional properties of the final part, allowing customers to meet OEM specific standards in a more sustainable way. They are available in both MONO and BICO technology – a first for the composites industry.

Jefrem Jennard, Global Sales Director – Industrial Fibres, comments: “Beaulieu Fibres International developed UltraLink fibres over the past two years to provide an answer to the automotive industry’s continuous strive for lower weight, lower emission, lower cost and better properties. They are being introduced in new global automotive programmes with SOP 2019-2021. We are delighted to introduce them to the Asian market at ANEX.”

At ANEX 2018, Beaulieu Fibres International also presents its platform of unique Meralux fibres offering significant improvements to the dryness of nonwoven for hygiene and medical applications. The BICO fibre has a special cross section, which enables it to provide bulk, opacity and enhanced fluid management compared to standard round fibres to nonwoven constructions. As a result, a dry feeling is achieved for the final nonwoven.

Petra Bohle-Stricker, Global Sales Director – Hygiene Fibres, comments: “As Asia Pacific heads towards becoming the largest regional tissue and hygiene market by the end of 2025  , nonwovens producers can already take advantage of the benefits of Meralux to launch new and innovative products that will grab the attention of global and local manufacturers. Visitors to our ANEX booth can experience Meralux fibres first-hand in nonwoven samples.”

Since Meralux was first launched in April 2017, the portfolio has expanded to include Meralux T and Meralux Soft. Beaulieu Fibres International is currently expanding its production programme with polyester-core (PET) BICO. In addition a pilot line for new developments is under construction. Both are expected to come on stream in 2018.

Chomarat North America awarded as 9100 certification for the aerospace industry
28.05.2018

Chomarat North America awarded as 9100 certification for the aerospace industry

CHOMARAT North America has just been awarded AS 9100 certification. CHOMARAT Group’s US facility that specializes in Advanced Composites reinforcements is located in Williamston, South Carolina. The new certification covers aerospace quality management systems and follows the Group’s development strategy relative to quality and risk management. “Our North American plant’s new AS 9100 certification proves our organisational maturity and provides a vital asset to enable us to become a leading aerospace supplier,” said Michel COGNET, Group Managing Director at CHOMARAT.

MEETING THE DEMANDS OF THE AEROSPACE MARKET

CHOMARAT North America has just been awarded AS 9100 certification. CHOMARAT Group’s US facility that specializes in Advanced Composites reinforcements is located in Williamston, South Carolina. The new certification covers aerospace quality management systems and follows the Group’s development strategy relative to quality and risk management. “Our North American plant’s new AS 9100 certification proves our organisational maturity and provides a vital asset to enable us to become a leading aerospace supplier,” said Michel COGNET, Group Managing Director at CHOMARAT.

MEETING THE DEMANDS OF THE AEROSPACE MARKET
With this certification, CHOMARAT North America is following in the footsteps of the Group’s French plants that were certified to ES 9100 in 2012. The facility now meets the strict criteria set by the market for high performance composites reinforcements for the aerospace industry. The quality system and risk management standards are recognised by purchasers worldwide and is in line with the Group’s growth strategy for the aerospace market. “We are proud of this AS 9100 certification that clearly demonstrates our commitment to quality management and reliability. This accomplishment now allows us to compete as an international aerospace supplier from multiple continents!” said Brian LAUFENBERG, President of CHOMARAT’s NA business.

C-PLYTM,
THE CHOMARAT REINFORCEMENT THAT HAS ALREADY PROVEN ITS WORTH IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY
CHOMARAT has already made a name for itself in the aerospace market with fabrics, tapes and multiaxial carbon reinforcements, particularly its C-PLY™ range. These materials are designed for primary and secondary structures as well as aircraft interior parts. These highly modular materials offer great angle and ply flexibility and open up new opportunities for designing lighter, more efficient and lower cost composite parts. This is a huge advantage in a market with high productivity demands.
This is why C-PLY™ was recently chosen by VX AEROSPACE for their foldaway drone, which can be stowed inside a cylindrical container and deployed from a tactical aircraft. The carbon multiaxial material is used in the construction of the wing, the horizontal stabilizers, the vertical fin and all of the control surfaces. “There is no better material! The extremely thin multiaxial reinforcement is perfect, because strength and stiffness are tailored according to demand. It offers extremely high performance at a reduced cost.” said VX AEROSPACE Chief Engineer Bob SKILLEN.

Source:

Agence APOCOPE

JEC World 2018 (c)AGENCE APOCOPE
Crowded aisle of JEC World 2018
08.03.2018

JEC World 2018: Composites Industry in Paris

  • JEC World 2018, closes its doors on March 8 with a record increase in attendance resuming 3 days of vibrant networking and knowledge sharing.

The event confirms its leading position of JEC Group as number one organization for the promotion and development of the composites industry. Indeed the show welcomed more than 1,300 exhibitors from every continents and counted 42,445 professional visits from 115 countries. “The ability of JEC Group to gather the whole composites Industry under one roof over 3 days lies in the fact that we always initiate new precursory programs to the service of composites professionals.” says Ms. Frédérique Mutel, JEC Group President & CEO. “This year we initiated new programs, for instance the Composite Challenge allowing 10 PhD students to pitch their thesis in front of the industry, thus facilitating connections between students and industrialists. In the same spirit, we increased in power our Start Up Booster and Innovation Award Programs to accelerate relations between young or innovative companies with investors or established enterprises.

  • JEC World 2018, closes its doors on March 8 with a record increase in attendance resuming 3 days of vibrant networking and knowledge sharing.

The event confirms its leading position of JEC Group as number one organization for the promotion and development of the composites industry. Indeed the show welcomed more than 1,300 exhibitors from every continents and counted 42,445 professional visits from 115 countries. “The ability of JEC Group to gather the whole composites Industry under one roof over 3 days lies in the fact that we always initiate new precursory programs to the service of composites professionals.” says Ms. Frédérique Mutel, JEC Group President & CEO. “This year we initiated new programs, for instance the Composite Challenge allowing 10 PhD students to pitch their thesis in front of the industry, thus facilitating connections between students and industrialists. In the same spirit, we increased in power our Start Up Booster and Innovation Award Programs to accelerate relations between young or innovative companies with investors or established enterprises. We also introduced one new planet called “Make it Real” along with the Aero, Auto and Construction planets. In this planet, we could discover astonishing futuristic products for example the Aeromobil, a flying car that would revolutionize urban transportation in the near future,“ she adds. “We launched our new Book on Natural Fibers: Flax and Hemp. We had strong communications on Composites Environmental Input and Recycling.”

The event was the first event to promote and host the new “French Fab”, a French government initiative to internationally promote the French Industry and Manufacture. Also, JEC World welcomed the French Secretary of State to the Minister of Economy and Finance Ms. Delphine Gény-Stephann, visit that demonstrates the growing role of composites in the industry.

Inspiring Keynotes to foster composites disruption

Dirk Ahlborn,CEO of Hyperloop opened the Startup Booster ceremony by supporting the spirit of ingenuity in the Industry. Dayton Horvath, industry expert and consultant in additive manufacturing presented his vision of how to apply artificial intelligence to composite Materials and Manufacturing. Finally, Yves Rossy, the “jetman” using the latest carbon-fiber wings for flight introduced the JEC Innovation awards ceremony, motivating the audience to pursue their dreams and explaining how composites could made his dreams come true.

The "Public Choice” Awards Winners

A first at the show this year was the introduction of the public votes to elect their favorite projects among two JEC programs promoting innovation. “The goal to create the “public choice awards” was to involve and embark our community to make their innovation loud. Our vision at JEC is to demonstrate and to make understand towards a broader scope the vast range of possibilities that composite materials offer.”
comments Ms. Anne-Manuèle Hébert, Director for JEC World and European Events for JEC Group.

Public Choice Award for Startup  Booster: Inca-Fiber (Germany) with 62.36% of the 2,221 votes
Public Choice Award for JEC Innovation Awards: Infusion technology for an aircraft wing by AeroComposit JSC (Russia) gaining 20.96% of the 4,126 votes.

Source:

AGENCE APOCOPE

20th anniversary of the JEC Innovation Awards (c) GROUPE JEC - Thierry-Alain TRUONG
07.03.2018

20th anniversary of the JEC Innovation Awards

  • JEC Group pays tribute to the winners at JEC World 2018

The 2018 session of JEC World, the reference trade show organized by JEC Group, is in full swing and the focus is on innovation!
The JEC Innovation Awards ceremony, which took place on the Agora stage on Wednesday, March 7 at 5 pm, opened with a presentation by Yves Rossy, aircraft pilot and inventor of the first jet-powered wingpack. Then the jury revealed the names of the composite champions up for a JEC Innovation Award. Eleven winning innovations were chosen, out of the thirty finalists that had been previously selected from more than 100 applications from all over the world.

  • JEC Group pays tribute to the winners at JEC World 2018

The 2018 session of JEC World, the reference trade show organized by JEC Group, is in full swing and the focus is on innovation!
The JEC Innovation Awards ceremony, which took place on the Agora stage on Wednesday, March 7 at 5 pm, opened with a presentation by Yves Rossy, aircraft pilot and inventor of the first jet-powered wingpack. Then the jury revealed the names of the composite champions up for a JEC Innovation Award. Eleven winning innovations were chosen, out of the thirty finalists that had been previously selected from more than 100 applications from all over the world.

“JEC Group supports innovation. In 1998, it created the first award dedicated to composites, as a way to promote and reward the sector’s champions. Thanks to the work of JEC Group’s teams, the program has become an international benchmark. Each year, we receive more than a hundred applications from all over the world. Selection is now based on criteria like the level of involvement of the innovation’s partners in the value chain, the technical nature of the innovation, or its commercial applications,” explains JEC Group President & CEO Frédérique Mutel.
A new feature this year is that the jury revealed the winners during the ceremony, and the public could choose their favorite innovation before, during, and after the ceremony. So there is still time to vote! Votes are opened until Thursday March 8th, 5pm http://innovationawards.jec-world.events
Did you miss the ceremony?

11 AWARD WINNERS:
AEROSPACE APPLICATION

Winner:
AeroComposit, JSC (Russia) and its partner Solvay (United Kingdom)

  • Infusion technology for an aircraft wing

The use of infusion technology to manufacture primary structural components for an aircraft wing. The technology makes it possible to create extra-long, integrated composite structures with complex aerodynamic shapes.

AEROSPACE PROCESS 
2 tied winners!
Winner: Airbus (Germany) and its partners, BMW Group (Germany), Technical University of Munich (TUM) (Germany), Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH (Germany), Werkzeugbau Siegfried Hofmann GmbH (Germany), BASF SE (Germany), Foldcore GmbH (Germany), Neenah Filtration (Germany) and SGL Carbon GmbH (Germany)

  • Complex structural applications for MAI sandwich technology

Cost-effective production of a complex 2.5D structure made of thermoplastic composite sandwich, with very short cycle times: under 5 minutes for aerospace materials and 2.5 minutes for automotive materials.

Winner: M. Torres Diseños Industriales SAU (Spain)
Moldless process to manufacture one-piece parts
A new manufacturing process for oversized one-piece reinforced composite structures, without requiring the use of complete molds.

AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION
Winner: Ford Werke GmbH (Germany) and its partners, Gestamp (United Kingdom), GRM Consulting (United Kingdom) and University of Warwick (United Kingdom)

  • Lightweight composite automotive suspension part

Structural suspension part made of lightweight composite, using a brand-new patented process for prepreg/SMC/steel overmolding that was designed using a new computer-aided engineering (CAE) technology.

AUTOMOTIVE PROCESS
Winner: Audi AG (Germany) and its partners, Voith Composites GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Dow Automotive (Switzerland), and Zoltek Corp. (United States)

  • Series production of a rear panel module made of carbon composite

For the first time, the potential of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) is used to full advantage in series production with a new rear panel module and cost-effective production technologies.

CONSTRUCTION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Winner: Komatsu Seiren Co., Ltd. (Japan) and its partners, Kanazawa Institute of Technology (Japan) and Nagase ChemteX Corporation (Japan)

  • Cabkoma cable made of CFRTP

Komatsu Seiren has developed a cable made of molded carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP), using a very cost-effective process that consists in polymerizing a thermoplastic epoxy resin in situ.

MARINE
Winner: Uljanik JSC (Croatia)

  • Composite cargo decks for a vehicle carrier

On the SIEM Cicero, a vehicle carrier with a capacity of 7,000 vehicles, glass-fiber reinforced composites are used for a number of the structures for the cargo decks, thereby considerably reducing the ship’s weight, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

RAILWAY
Winner: ELG Carbon Fibre Ltd. (United Kingdom) and its partners, Alstom Transport (United Kingdom), Magma Structures (United Kingdom), the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom), and the University of Huddersfield (United Kingdom)

  • A bogie frame made of optimized lightweight carbon fiber

This project has developed the very first carbon-fiber bogie frame that uses a recycled material, making it possible to overcome the obstacles to a commercial adoption of this type of structure.

SPORTS & LEISURE
Winner: BMW Group (Germany) and its partners EDAG Engineering GmbH (Germany), KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH (Germany), Chr. Karl Siebenwurst GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), TUM-LCC (Germany), Automation W + R GmbH (Germany), and FHG-IGCV (Germany)

  • A modular construction system for the rear swing arm suspension of a motorcycle

A modular system to produce a complex-shape swing arm suspension reinforced with carbon fiber. The system can adjust the mechanical properties on a case-by-case basis, for a competitive cost and weight compared to metal solutions.

SMART CITIES
Winner: MC Materiales Compuestos (Argentina) and its partners, Plaquimet (Argentina), Purcom (Brazil), IS Groupe - Composite Integrity (France), and G12 Innovation (Brazil)

  • The Wet Core Pod composite housing module

The Wet Core Pod is a composite housing module with an industrialization potential that can facilitate the most complex, costly and difficult step in a construction project.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Winner: Cetim-Cermat (France) and its partner, CETIM (France)

  • “3-in-1” line for producing recycled composites

A modular line that uses an innovative thermomechanical process to make large panels from recycled composites or plastics. The panels are then thermoformed into parts.
 

Source:

Dorothée David & Marion RISCH, Agence Apocope

Logo CHOMARAT (C) CHROMARAT
26.02.2018

CHOMARAT presents its latest innovations at the 2018 JEC World

CHOMARAT, the composite reinforcement specialist group, is launching its multiaxial glass NCF for thermoplastic composites. The unique patented stitching yarn used can withstand processing temperatures to 400°C, making it an innovative industrial solution for thermoplastic composites and an alternative to the woven reinforcements used especially in the automotive sector. For the first time, CHOMARAT is also exhibiting a unidirectional carbon NCF reinforcement that is adapted to the productivity and performance requirements in the wind energy sector.

CHOMARAT, the composite reinforcement specialist group, is launching its multiaxial glass NCF for thermoplastic composites. The unique patented stitching yarn used can withstand processing temperatures to 400°C, making it an innovative industrial solution for thermoplastic composites and an alternative to the woven reinforcements used especially in the automotive sector. For the first time, CHOMARAT is also exhibiting a unidirectional carbon NCF reinforcement that is adapted to the productivity and performance requirements in the wind energy sector.

AN INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIAL SOLUTION TO REINFORCE AUTOMOTIVE THERMOPLASTICS
Thanks to a unique patented stitching yarn, the glass NCF reinforcement (G-PLY™) developed by CHOMARAT offers new possibilities in thermoplastic RTM and organosheet processes. “This is an especially innovative solution, utilizing stitching yarns that are compatible with processing temperatures to 400°C. These multiaxials improve the performance and provide a lot of construction freedom in terms of fibre orientation. These new design possibilities contribute to structural optimization. The quest for more lightweight vehicles, shorter cycle times and lower cost is a major issue for all builders,” explains CHOMARAT Automotive Market Manager Francisco De Oliveira.
This new heat-stable G-PLY™ reinforcement can withstand very high processing temperatures without deformation and provides optimal mechanical performance.

A CARBON UD TO REINFORCE EXTRA-THICK WIND TURBINE STRUCTURES
For the first time, CHOMARAT is exhibiting an infusion-moulded laminate made with 150 plies of its new unidirectional carbon C-PLY™. This 600g/m², high-permeability NCF can be used to create extra-thick structures, in particular the wind-turbine blade stiffeners, or spar caps. “Cost reduction is the challenge in the wind energy industry. Increasing the blade length by incorporating carbon stiffeners increases power, and so it also lowers the cost of the energy,” says CHOMARAT Wind Energy Market Manager Raphaël PLEYNET. The carbon UD developed by CHOMARAT provides a solution to achieve the goal to optimize the weight/power ratio. The UD’s high permeability reduces cycle times and lowers the blade production costs.

Professor Sung Ha from the University of Hanyang will give a conference on composite challenges in the wind energy sector at 11:30 am on Wednesday, 7 March 2018 at JEC World.
Established in 1898, CHOMARAT is an international industrial textile group, involved in three businesses: Composites Reinforcements, Construction Reinforcements, Coatings & Films–Textiles. The privately held company operates in France, Tunisia, the United States and China to service its global customers.
CHOMARAT leads a strong innovation strategy, rising to challenges, developing materials for the future. Hence, the Group invests in new technologies and enters into collaborative research programs with universities and technical centers worldwide.
CHOMARAT offers strong technical know-how and mastery of complex technologies in fields ranging from automotive, aerospace, sports, energy, marine, construction, and also in markets requiring creativity and expertise, like luxury goods.

More information:
CHOMARAT JEC World 2018
Source:

Dorothée DAVID & Marion RISCH, AGENCE APOCOPE

PrePro2D "PrePro 2D“ machine system for tape placement of tailored blanks and laminates with in-situ consolidation. (c) Fraunhofer IPT.
PrePro2D
16.02.2018

Commercialization of Fraunhofer´s tape-placement and tape winding systems

The two AZL Partners Conbility GmbH and Fraunhofer IPT, Aachen started their long-term cooperation for the further development and for the commercialization of Fraunhofer´s tape-placement and tape winding systems with in-situ-consolidation by the usage of laser or IR heat sources.

With this cooperation, the company Conbility GmbH makes 25 years of expertise in special machine development of tape placement systems of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT commercially available. Conbility offers two different tape processing systems available in different configurations.

The two AZL Partners Conbility GmbH and Fraunhofer IPT, Aachen started their long-term cooperation for the further development and for the commercialization of Fraunhofer´s tape-placement and tape winding systems with in-situ-consolidation by the usage of laser or IR heat sources.

With this cooperation, the company Conbility GmbH makes 25 years of expertise in special machine development of tape placement systems of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT commercially available. Conbility offers two different tape processing systems available in different configurations.

The “PrePro 2D” machine system allows for the automated tailored tape placement of UD laminates and which can be used for subsequent thermoforming or as stiffening structures in injection molding processes. The machine comprises a rotating and translational table which is moved relatively to the applicator station. The table is scalable according to the requirements of customers. Standard table diameters are 1200 mm or 2000 mm. The applicator station can be equipped with a single or with multiple spool applicators. Because of the large process area, a 9 kW IR heater is used for the in-situ-consolidation process.  
Three in one: Three technologies included in one single modular system
Furthermore, the award-winning “PrePro 3D” tape placement and winding applicator is available as modular product with decentral control system (including closed-loop control of energy input into the processing zone) for the “plug-in” implementation in existing robot systems or machine systems by standard interfaces for the communication with the master control system. Conbility provides the single applicator as well as turn-key ready systems including the robot and handling systems.

Unique selling point of the PrePro 3D system is its multifunctional range of usage: it accomplishes laser-assisted thermoplastic tape placement, IR-assisted thermoset prepreg placement and dry fiber placement: Three technologies included in one single modular system.  

During the JEC World in Paris (March 6th – 8th 2018), Conbility GmbH will present its new “VCSEL Tape Placement and Winding Applicator” (Fig. 3), developed in cooperation with Fraunhofer IPT and Philips Photonics at the AZL Composites in Action area (Hall 5A, C55).

VCSEL Laser Systems as heat source for lower investment and process costs
This applicator uses an integrated VCSEL Laser System as heat source which has been developed by Philips Photonics. This tape placement and winding applicator can also be integrated as modular “plug-in” system into industrial jointed-arm and linear gantry robots in variable manufacturing cells. Using the new VCSEL Laser as heat source (VCSEL: Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) leads to significant lower investment and process cost in comparison to other laser systems. Furthermore, the VCSEL laser system can accomplish controllable in-process adjustments of the laser-spot geometry as well as the intensity distribution within the spot size during the process (in-process control of laser-spot geometries and intensities) for the first time. The new system with 2 kW laser power and 10 separate emission zones which can be controlled separately will be shown at JEC World in Paris 2018 as new product of Conbility GmbH.