UTC Aerospace Systems and RAFAEL join TPRC as new members

The TPRC team is happy and proud to welcome two new members:  UTC Aerospace Systems, who have joined in January as a Tier 1 member, and RAFAEL, as Tier 2 member since February 2018.

UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. By designing, manufacturing and providing services of integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries, UTC Aerospace Systems is supporting a global customer base.

“We are looking forward to our partnership with TPRC to help accelerate incorporation of thermoplastic structures in our Aerostructures products. TPRC and its consortium members are leaders in the industry for thermoplastic materials, processing and process simulation, and design for manufacturing of thermoplastic composite structures.”

Teresa Kruckenberg, R&D Director at UTC Aerospace Systems - Aerostructures 

RAFAEL in particular focuses on the development, the manufacturing and the support of defense and aerospace systems. The company is performing at the fore front of technology and wants to increase their innovative knowledge by being a member of TPRC. Yehiel Shaham of RAFAEL states, that joining TPRC has two main benefits: One is the aim to "contribute to thermoplastic composites' research and development", and the other is the "collaboration and knowledge sharing for creative composite solutions".

We are pleased to welcome both new members at TPRC. Find out more about our partners and your possibilities to join TPRC!

Research Spotlight: Overmolding

The video above shows the evolution of the one-step overmolding process, including the resulting demonstrator geometry. As displayed, the overmolding technology offers potential solutions for complex continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts by combining two processes. Firstly, a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite blank is shaped in a stamp forming step. Secondly, additional features, such as ribs or inserts, are over-injection molded onto the stamp-formed part. This way, overmolding combines the high specific strength and stiffness of the continuous fibers with the design freedom and flexibility of a short fiber reinforced injection molding grade. Moreover, the process can be easily automated and is well suited for high volume production.

TPRC is rapidly building up expertise in the field of overmolding. After a fruitful first edition of COMPeTE I project, TPRC is proud to host a follow-up project. Kicked-off in August 2017, this project is focusing on the prediction and characterization of the interface performance in overmolded structures. Providing fundamental understanding in the field of overmolding, we also had the chance to discuss possibilities of overmolding technologies in the Injection world magazine.

Are you interested in the newest developments regarding overmolding and the latest status of the project? We will be present at the Composites Overmolding Conference held in the Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, Michigan on the 13th and 14th of June. Meet us there or contact us to get the latest updates!

Third successful TPRC course on 'Advanced forming of thermoplastic composites'

During a 2-day advanced-level course TPRC is giving inside knowledge on the press-forming technology for thermoplastic composites. On the 20th and 21st of March 2018 a new group of enthusiastic participants learned about the ins and outs of the technology during theoretical classroom sessions, as well as with practical lab exercises. 

Also in the future TPRC aims at educating the composite industry via interactive courses such as the Advanced Forming Course. Apart from the educational aspect, these courses and workshops bring together industry and academia and help people increase their network. TPRC therefore encourages dynamic interactions and collective learning, in order to increase innovative power.

Due to the success of the first courses, TPRC will organize another advanced forming course in June 5-6. Furthermore, the course "Introduction to thermoplastic composites" will take place on June 27-28.  For more information visit our website and make sure to apply before May 15, 2018!

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