ThermoPlastic composites Research Center(TPRC) Newsletter July 2017
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Dedienne Multiplasturgy® Group joins TPRC as new Tier 2 member
As of June 1st 2017, Dedienne Multiplasturgy® Group joined the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) as a Tier 2 member.
Dedienne’s expertise ranges from a recognized knowledge of materials (plastics, high performance polymers and composites), to the mastery of various implementation technologies to create parts and sub-assemblies covering a wide spectrum of applications. Dedienne is well-known as one of the reference specialists in France for the substitution of metal by plastic, especially in the context of the problem of weight reduction of parts.
Dedienne has 550 employees and 4 business units which are located in France, Romania and United States with sales offices in Germany and the UK.
TPRC aids the composites industry with the course ‘Advanced forming of thermoplastic composites’
On the 22nd and 23rd of May, the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) organized a 2-day advanced-level course on the press-forming technology for thermoplastic composites. During the course, which combined classroom sessions with practical lab exercises, the participants learned the ins and outs of the technology. More specifically, the following topics were elaborated:
- Process parameter selection based on material properties
- Effect of tool design on manufacturability and part quality
- Influence of blank handling systems on formability
- Process induced defects and tricks to prevent these
- The use of predictive forming simulation tools
TPRC aims to educate the composite industry via interactive courses such as the ‘Advanced Forming Course’. Apart from the educational aspect, these courses and workshops also bring together industry and academia which encourages dynamic interaction and collective learning, which in turn can lead to innovation.
Due to the success of the first ‘Advanced Forming of Thermoplastic Composites’- course, the TPRC will organize another session on September 5th and 6th 2017.
Research Spotlight: Press Forming
Press forming for thermoplastic composites is well suited for automated high volume manufacturing of lightweight components. It is for example used to manufacture large series of clips and brackets that hold together complex aircraft structures.
Process development for press forming is not straightforward and defect-free manufacturing can be challenging. Typical process-induced defects that may occur are laminate or ply wrinkling, ply tearing, dry spots and warpage. The occurrence of such defects depends on small details such as tool radii, chosen blank handling configuration and the blank shape, lay-up and size. The complex interaction between material and tooling make experimental process optimization tedious and expensive. Instead, forming simulation tools, such as jointly developed by AniForm and TPRC, allow virtual process optimization to enable design for manufacturing, thereby reducing process development time and costs. Interested to learn more about press forming? Make sure to contact us!
Constructing a world of thermoplastic composites
TPRC hosted a Pitch & Match session on June 20th with the aim to explore the use of thermoplastic composites in the Civil Engineering and Construction industry. The session was jointly organised by Novel-T and Pioneering. TPRC and Polymer Science Park gave participants, who play an active role within the construction market, insight into the potential application of thermoplastic composites and plastics in civil engineering and construction.
Thermoplastic composite materials have excellent properties that can be used within this market, like reduced weight, durability, freedom of design, resistance to corrosion, high potential for mass production and of course recyclability. The Pitch and Match format, created by Novel-T, ensured that attendees were matched with possible customers/suppliers to further explore business opportunities. The effect of this event was that companies were inspired by the presentations while also generating concrete feedback on the (future) application of composite materials within their business(es). A follow-up to this event has not been planned yet.
Reinforce your business with the TPRC!
TPRC provides the required thorough understanding of thermoplastic composite materials and processes to optimize existing and new manufacturing processes in terms of quality and productivity. The R&D results enable viable use of thermoplastic composites by eliminating technological barriers which are identified together with the TPRC member companies and universities.
Being a member of TPRC will give you access to the cutting edge research, the state-of-the-art laboratory and the TPRC expert network with 20+ years of experience in researching and developing thermoplastic composite applications.
