The company aims to use this machine to explore technologies and mold components in completely new dimensions in collaboration with its customers and partners. The extra-large mold space accommodates molds weighing up to 150 tonnes, with possible shot weights up to a massive 42 kg. The state-of-the-art machine was developed to meet the demands of the automotive industry and technical injection molding and is now available for customer trials.

The original demonstrator parts not only proved feasibility of the process, but exceeded performance expectations, Lull says. This led the company to patent the technology, and to begin introducing it to customers for commercial applications.

Arris presents mechanical testing results of an Arris-designed natural fiber thermoplastic composite in comparison to similarly produced glass and carbon fiber-based materials.

For PU applications, two Cannon systems are available — one for small-volume applications and another for high-volume output. A corresponding dosing unit allows for coloring the polyurethane.

This collection features detail the current state of the industry and recent success stories across aerospace, automotive and rail applications.

Advanced Engineering is the UK’s largest annual gathering of engineering and manufacturing professionals. The event will help you to source new suppliers, network, build connections and learn about the latest industry developments all in one place. Get involved and exhibit alongside 400+ exhibitors offering solutions and products across all industries and sectors to help improve your productivity and inspire creativity. With over 9,000+ of your peers due to attend and ready to network with and inspire you, this is the event you can’t afford to miss!

Stephen Heinz, vice president of R&I for Syensqo delivered an inspirational keynote at SAMPE 2024, highlighting the significant role of composite materials in emerging technologies and encouraging broader collaboration within the manufacturing community.

The composites industry plays a crucial role in developing lightweight and durable materials for a range of applications, including those critical to national defense. One key focus area is the development of advanced structural materials and manufacturing technologies that support next-generation space, missile and aircraft systems for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). ARC Technologies LLC (ARC), a division of Hexcel Corporation, based in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is a provider of advanced composites structures, specialty materials and other unique products that provide the U.S. Department of Defense with advanced capabilities to protect service members while in harm’s way. This team’s specialty is to understand a specific need from a program office, PEO, platform manufacturer or other offices within the DOD. With that understanding, the team can design a solution, develop a prototype for test and evaluation, perform extensive in-house testing — including electromagnetic, environmental and structural testing — and then partner with the customer through platform evaluation. The Hexcel Amesbury division has a team of engineers on staff, including mechanical, chemical, electrical and research and development specialists that can provide design, testing and manufacturing capabilities to service customer requirements from concept through production. This presentation will illustrate capabilities in advanced composites and other specialty materials structures, focusing on the Hexcel Amesbury team's niche in electromagnetic signature reduction and other unique capabilities.

All digital assistance systems from Engel are integrated into the machine control, enabling energy-efficient, sustainable production while optimizing processes.

However, bonding requires the addition of several, often manual, steps: surface preparation, application and curing of the adhesive. This makes adhesive bonding too cost- and labor-intensive for many large-series applications that require thousands of parts per year. Mechanical fasteners can also be used in some cases, but these introduce other challenges as well, such as added weight and assembly steps, and the necessity to machine holes into the pultruded part, which often reduces its mechanical properties.

“It’s a big advantage for aerospace in particular,” says Lull. “This technology eliminates the risk of failure for bonding or even mechanical fasteners, and we’ve proven out the process to be able to consistently produce thousands of reliable high-quality parts with no scrap.” He adds that this solution enables parts be reliably and effectively evaluated using nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods that are not able to be used on bonded parts.

“We worked with industrial clients at first, but the first major business for us was aerospace,” says Lull. In 2018, the company began an R&D project with Airbus (Toulouse, France). This work stemmed from a previous R&D collaboration in which Epsilon had demonstrated its pultrusion technology for manufacturing high-performance tubular structural struts with bonded metallic end fittings. Epsilon successfully demonstrated the performance of the parts and reliability of the manufacturing process up to TRL 6 and Airbus’s internal standards — however, the project did not move on commercially because the structural bonding was considered too risky for critical aerospace structures. To combat these risks, Epsilon developed and patented a process specifically designed to secure the bonding according to aerospace standards, but the process was more expensive, negating the time and cost savings of choosing pultrusion for the struts to begin with.

Whether you’re exploring new applications or seeking to gain a foothold in emerging markets, Carbon Fiber 2024 is where you’ll discover the insights and connections needed to shape your business strategy. Register now.

Flat tank enabling standard platform for BEV and FCEV uses thermoplastic and thermoset composites, overwrapped skeleton design in pursuit of 25% more H2 storage.

Manufacturers of large, complex plastic parts and toolmakers can now test feasibility and implementation at an early project stage. This significantly shortens time to market and avoids costly subsequent errors by identifying and eliminating sources of error early on. Initial customer trials are scheduled to begin shortly.

Until now, large plastic parts have often been manufactured using various processes other than injection molding, which have significant limitations. With the availability of an injection molding machine as large as the duo 5500 combi M in a technical center, extensive possibilities for part and technology development and sampling are now available. This offering reinforces Engel's role as an enabler of new technologies, allowing customers and partners to actively pursue developments in new dimensions and expand injection molding capabilities.

With the introduction of the duo 5500 combi M, Engel said it has reinforced its role as a leading hub for testing new technologies and collaborating closely with the industry to promote new injection molding possibilities. The machine allows for the testing and development of existing and new customer projects under real conditions and on neutral ground. This includes tool and material tests as well as the development of new manufacturing technologies.

Celebrating National Composites Week 2024, CW looks at how composites are being used to provide the next generation of energy.

Lull explains that an intensive, year-and-a-half-long development process followed, designed to find the right set of parameters and tools to optimally overmold the end fittings onto thermoset composite pultruded tubes. In the end, the struts proved successful and demonstrated a 50% cost savings over traditional composite struts made from filament winding or prepreg. The struts were ultimately qualified by Airbus for commercial use, and Epsilon continues to provide these parts to the aerospace market.

Aircraft struts and beyond. After initial successes in industrial and aerospace markets, Epsilon says it uses injection overmolding as a cost-effective, reliable alternative to adhesive bonding for many of its large-scale orders.

Collins Aerospace draws on global team, decades of experience to demonstrate large, curved AFP and welded structures for the next generation of aircraft.

The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.

Epsilon’s R&D team continues to optimize its overmolding process, to make the overall process and workflow faster and more efficient between pultrusion and injection, and to develop lower cost or modular tooling suitable for small-series applications.

Initial demonstration in furniture shows properties two to nine times higher than plywood, OOA molding for uniquely shaped components.

This solution can also add sustainability benefits: Chemical solvents and adhesives are removed from the process, plus the use of thermoplastic as a joining method enables the two components to be separated at the part’s end of life (EOL) with the addition of heat, increasing the potential for recyclability. “Plus, there is no scrap in the injection process. Any scraps produced can be melted down into and reused in the injection molding process,” adds Lull.

The JEC Forum DACH is a business meetings event organised by JEC The JEC Forum DACH is organised on October 22 and 23, 2024 by JEC, in partnership with the AVK, gathering the composite materials community from the DACH Region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).

In the Automated Composites Knowledge Center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites.

Aerospace manufacturer joins forces with composite materials company to achieve sustainable manufacturing practices that overcome traditional composite layup tooling.

In the meantime, Epsilon and Somocap developed a new overmolding process and began producing industrial parts commercially. So, for its next R&D iteration of these struts with Airbus, Epsilon introduced overmolding of the end fittings as a solution that met the needs for both optimized cost and high reliability in the parts and process.

Ultimately, this method can either be used as a way to join a traditional metallic end fitting to the pultruded profile or tube, or the metal can be replaced altogether, and a thermoplastic composite tip can be added via overmolding.

An overview of ASTM Standard Guide D8509, and its coupon-level mechanical testing of design properties for analyzing composite bolted joints.

The first demonstrations of the technology involved injecting polyetheretherketone (PEEK) over the top of carbon fiber/epoxy pultruded tubes. “The PEEK is injected at a very high temperature, about 300°C, so we had to make sure that the resin matrix of the [thermoset] composite tube would be able to sustain this temperature for a brief period of time,” says Latron. Through trial and error the R&D team figured out the right combination of a fast injection overmolding process and the required glass transition temperature (Tg) thermoset matrix to produce repeatable results with no damage to the pultruded tube, despite the differences in the materials.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

After developing and proving out prototypes, the first commercial use case of this technology was in 2015 with a U.S.-based company, manufacturing pultruded rods for use in industrial robotics.

Initially developed to mold large parts for the automotive sector, the press is now available for customer trials at the St. Valentin, Austria, technical center.

Thunder Composite Technologies uses its automated pultrusion, RTM and other processes to produce custom-engineered composite parts for automotive and land defense vehicles.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

Knowing the fundamentals for reading drawings — including master ply tables, ply definition diagrams and more — lays a foundation for proper composite design evaluation.

This collection details the basics, challenges, and future of thermoplastic composites technology, with particular emphasis on their use for commercial aerospace primary structures.

CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.

Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

Performing regular maintenance of the layup tool for successful sealing and release is required to reduce the risk of part adherence.

First application: Industrial. One of Epsilon’s core end markets, industrial applications such as arms for machinery or robotics, were the first application of its injection overmolding joining process.

New aircraft is expected to deliver wind turbine blades from 105 meters up to expand the reach of wind energy and achieve global climate goals.

This technology has become a go-to solution for Epsilon for large-series parts across end markets. “We’ve been making tens of thousands of parts with zero failure,” says Coullette. “It’s very cost-competitive. Eventually we plan to replace bonding for medium- and large-series parts in all of our end markets.”

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

This sidebar to CW’s August 2024 feature article reviews this technology for more efficient composites manufacturing and why it aligns with Koridion active core molding.

In 2012, the company began experimenting with alternative methods for adding end fittings or other functionality to components made via pultrusion or pullwinding. “The goal was to find a method that would result in a low-cost, high-quality product, which is kind of the Holy Grail,” explains Alexandre Lull, deputy CEO of Epsilon Composite.

Since its start in the late 1980s, the company has manufactured semi-finished pultruded profiles for a variety of applications in aerospace, industrial and other markets. For many of the end-use parts made from Epsilon Composite’s profiles and tubes — aircraft struts, industrial parts, technical rollers and more — metal or plastic end fittings and inserts are often bonded to them to add functionality or a connection point for other parts.

In these sessions, experts will discuss the emerging hydrogen economy and the opportunities for composites in this lucrative space.

There are other composite booms on the market; Epsilon’s is a truss-shaped pultruded structure, which Coullette says makes it highly optimized for high stiffness at the lowest weight possible and the least amount of material use, leading to lower overall costs.

CompositesWorld’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

Cevotec, a tank manufacturer, Roth Composite Machinery and Cikoni, have undertaken a comprehensive project to explore and demonstrate the impact of dome reinforcements using FPP technology for composite tanks.

The Marservis PROeco is a mass transportation marine vessel using Bcomp natural fiber for interior parts in place of standard materials.

This session is designed to demonstrate the benefits of ultra polymers for aerospace applications with real case examples of Syensqo's polymer portfolio. Agenda:  Introduction to ultra polymers (PAEK, PEKK, PEEK, PAI) key features Application of ultra polymers in aerospace: concrete examples Benefits of ultra polymers: enhanced performance, durability and cost-efficiency

Kennametal will cover the influence of different composite materials characteristics on drilling performance and how to optimize the process. Agenda:  Who is Kennametal? Hole making challenges in composite materials Innovations for hole making applications Upcoming events and academic partnerships

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite targets full circularity in aircraft interior applications, with FST, impact resistance and toughness features.

One idea was to use composite injection overmolding as a means for joining a metal end fitting to the pultruded profile. Injection overmolding, using primarily glass or carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, was chosen, Lull says, because of its potential for complementing the low cycle times and high-volume capabilities of the pultrusion or pullwinding process the company was already using.

Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.

Closed mold processes have many advantages over open molding. In this knowledge center, learn the basics and vital tools needed to produce parts accurately.

Jetcam’s latest white paper explores the critical aspects of nesting in composites manufacturing, and strategies to balance material efficiency and kitting speed.

The composite tubes white paper explores some of the considerations for specifying composite tubes, such as mechanical properties, maintenance requirements and more.

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and a proud dachshund owner.

However, the challenge was that Epsilon’s pultruded profiles are made with epoxy or another thermoset resin matrix, and injection overmolding introduces a thermoplastic matrix, injected under high heat and pressure, with a different coefficient of thermal expansion.

Program will focus on sustainable, next-gen wing solutions, including in wing design and manufacturing and advancements in carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials.

The patent notes, “This method is simple because it may require few steps, but it makes it possible to obtain assemblies that can withstand strong traction, compression, temperature gradients, with materials of different expansion coefficients.”

Validation of 80-100% tensile strength and comparability to injection molding via Voxelfill extrusion process was achieved through plastic and fiber-filled test series.

Low-melt polyaryletherketone (LMPAEK) unidirectional tapes provide outstanding thermal and fire protection, demonstrating their effectiveness through rigorous testing. These tapes are fire, smoke and toxicity compliant with FAR25.853 and meet OSU Heat Release Rate standards. The tapes were tested under ISO 2685/AC 20-135 Change 1, meeting the fireproof criteria. Additionally, they met UL 2596 requirements for battery thermal runaway tests. These tapes are crucial for high-temperature applications showcasing their resilience and safety in both aerospace and automotive applications. Part of a broader range that includes films and compounds, Victrex LMPAEK materials are valued for their excellent processability and weldability. They offer versatile solutions for complex needs beyond traditional structural parts, such as: thermal runaway and lightning strike protection, heat sinking, and intricate bracketry. Victrex LMPAEK materials facilitate automation and high-rate production while addressing performance and sustainability challenges. With reduced environmental impact, lower weight and cost-efficiency, they meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry and support innovative design solutions. Agenda:  Introduction to LMPAEK ecosystem, highlighting unidirectional tapes Thermal and fire protection performance: applications and benefits Material forms and processability Sustainability and efficiency Conclusion and future innovations

According to the U.S. patent filing in 2021, the process involves several steps: First, a hollow, tube-shaped thermoset composite profile is produced via pullwinding or pultrusion. The end of the profile is then machined to allow for the shape of the end fitting to be attached, which provides a rough surface area for the profile to attach to. Next, a tool/plug is positioned within the profile in the injection machine, and the thermoplastic is then injected, under a specified heat and pressure, around the profile and end fitting, binding them together.

Analyzing structural resonance of the aircraft under various loads becomes a critical step in obtaining flight certification.

CMC is expanding, with new fiber production in Europe, faster processes and higher temperature materials enabling applications for industry, hypersonics and New Space.

Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.

In 2018, Teijin broke ground on a facility that is reportedly the largest capacity carbon fiber line currently in existence. The line has been fully functional for nearly two years and has plenty of room for expansion.

A combination of Airtech’s 3D printing materials and Ascent’s production capabilities aim to support increased use of composite additive tooling in spaces like defense and aerospace.

CFRP pultrusion and pullwinding specialist Epsilon Composite combines thermoplastic overmolding with traditional thermoset processes, demonstrated through aircraft struts and industrial applications.

The composites-intensive VTOL platform is next expected to undergo a series of test flights in various conditions to validate its performance, safety and reliability, leading up to eventual certification.

During this webinar, the audience will be introduced to a variety of fiber composite technologies — as well as the machines and equipment — from short fibers to continuous fibers, from thermoset to thermoplastic, as well as the according process technology, including a special focus on long-fiber injection (LFI) and structural composite spray (SCS). Focus markets include automotive, aviation and AAM, transportation, and construction. This webinar will provide a detailed overview of according application examples. Agenda: Long fiber injection (LFI) Structural composite spray (SCS) Resin transfer molding (RTM), wet compression molding, etc. Pultrusion FiberForm

Base Materials introduces a high-performance, toughened epoxy tooling board designed for thermoforming and vacuum forming processes, direct-to-part applications and more.

The first project is underway to recover carbon fiber used in an A330-200 aircraft, which will then be regenerated for other end uses by HRC.

Additionally, stitch-bonded non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) provide manufacturers and asset owners even more ways to gain a competitive advantage with products built specifically for the environments and loading conditions in which they will be utilized. Join Vectorply Corporation and Creative Composites Group (CCG) for this in-depth webinar detailing the process of engineering NCFs to build composite parts that will stand the test of time. Unlike steel, concrete and wood, composite NCFs can be optimized utilizing various fiber types, architectures and substrates to achieve the specific goals of their application efficiently. High corrosion resistance, strength and stiffness, and longevity can all be accomplished with custom-designed laminates for these heavily abused applications. Vectorply Vice President of Engineering Trevor Gundberg and Creative Composites Group Chief Sales Officer Dustin Troutman will share their industry-leading expertise on the process of laminate design and part production. Attendees can expect to learn when to use composite NCFs in their production process and the wide range of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites that Creative Composites Group produces for the industrial and infrastructure markets. Whether you want to learn more about utilizing NCFs in your production process or why CCG’s extensive product line may be the choice for your project, this webinar is the place learn the process and how to take the next steps. Agenda:  Distinct advantages of non-crimp fabrics versus alternative materials How to design laminates for specific processes such as pultrusion and infusion Real-world success spotlights of NCFs in industrial applications

Reliable news and information on where and how fiber-reinforced composites are being applied — that’s just the start of what you get from our team here at CompositesWorld.

Epsilon Composite (Gaillan Médoc, France) specializes in carbon fiber/epoxy pultrusion and pullwinding, enabling the manufacture of medium- to large-series, high-performance carbon fiber composite parts, faster and at a lower cost compared to many other processes.

During this CW Tech Days event, sponsored by Composites One, experts will offer presentations to review and evaluate the composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

An on-demand mapping tool for anisotropic materials and polymer material fracture prediction model, i-Lupe, aims to help predict impact, crash behaviors.

EU project will develop bio-based, repairable and recyclable vitrimer composites and advanced sensors for highly reliable, sustainable wind blades.

Lull notes that a range of materials have been used, from relatively low-cost polyamide 6 (PA6) filled with glass fiber, to higher performance materials such as PEEK, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polyetherimide (PEI) reinforced with glass or carbon fiber. Unreinforced resin systems can also be used if desired.

Epsilon spent the next few years figuring out the best way to implement its ideas for a hybrid thermoset composite pultruded component overmolded with a thermoplastic. For this, Epsilon worked closely with its injection molding partner Somocap (Jatxou, France). “We brought the engineering and composite knowledge, and they brought the injection molding machinery and process knowledge,” explains Ambroise Latron, head of R&D at Epsilon.

Dive Technologies started by 3D printing prototypes of its composite autonomous underwater vehicles, but AM became the solution for customizable, toolless production.

Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market.

CompPair and Composite Recycling introduce a roof scoop made of recycled fibers to an eco-efficient rally buggy, which channels airflow to the engine for optimal, sustainable performance.

Engel reports that it has expanded its technical center in St. Valentin, Austria, with one of the largest injection molding machines from its standard portfolio — the duo 5500 combi M. With a clamping force of 55,000 kN and measuring 32 meters long, 13 meters wide, 6.8 meters high, and weighing 545 tonnes, it is by far the largest technical center machine in the world, according to Engel.

Compared to other methods like bonding, use of mechanical fasteners or even filament winding over the top of the end fitting, benefits of overmolding are said to include lower cost, weight savings and improved impact tolerance. If metal is replaced by a thermoplastic, corrosion risks can also be eliminated.

A report on the demand for hydrogen as an energy source and the role composites might play in the transport and storage of hydrogen.

The automotive industry increasingly uses larger plastic parts to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel efficiency, and lower production costs. Plastics offer design flexibility, enhance corrosion resistance, and contribute to the longevity and safety of vehicles. They also allow for the integration of functional elements and reduce the number of individual parts needed. Engel’s new facility supports this trend by enabling the production of larger plastic components.

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

Over the last 8 months, Archer Aviation has completed a total of 402 test flights with its composites-intensive aircraft, adding to key milestones.

CompositesWorld's Carbon Fiber conference offers you cutting-edge information and access to industry experts in streamlining manufacturing costs, market outlooks and forecasting, and more. You will make invaluable contacts as you meet and network with the industry's most innovative and influential leaders at Carbon Fiber. __PRESENT

Whether you’re exploring new applications or seeking to gain a foothold in emerging markets, Carbon Fiber 2024 is where you’ll discover the insights and connections needed to shape your business strategy. Register now.

Prepreg co-molding compound by IDI Composites International and A&P Technology enables new geometries and levels of strength and resiliency for automotive, mobility.

Herone, Spiral RTC, Teijin Carbon Europe and Collins Aerospace Almere recycle A350 thermoplastic composite clips/cleats waste into rods for the all-thermoplastic composite Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s crown.

Specialists in carbon fiber/epoxy pultrusion and pullwinding. These images show Epsilon’s pullwinding process before (top image) and after (bottom image) cure via a heated die the profile is pulled through.

Foundational research discusses the current carbon fiber recycling landscape in Utah, and evaluates potential strategies and policies that could enhance this sustainable practice in the region.

CompositesWorld is the source for reliable news and information on what’s happening in fiber-reinforced composites manufacturing. About Us

Functionalizing semi-finished pultruded/pull-wound profiles. In searching for low-cost processes to add functionalization to its semi-finished composite profiles and tubes, and to reduce the use of adhesives with its products, Epsilon Composite developed and patented a thermoplastic composite injection overmolding process with its injection molding partner Somocap. Photo Credit, all images (including image in line with title): Epsilon Composite

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

How the predictive tool “CZone” is applied to simulate the axial crushing response of composites, providing valuable insights into their use for motorsport applications.

CW Tech Days are virtual events dedicated to the topics impacting the composites industry today. Access past event recordings and register for upcoming Tech Days.

Six U.S. companies have proven their recycling technologies for composites and rare earth elements, and will be supported for relevant scale demonstration and validation.

The duo 5500 combi M represents the latest technology in injection molding, said Engel in the announcement. It features two movable (combined and individually operable) horizontal injection units and a combi M injection unit. It is also equipped with two six-axis Engel easix articulated robots for flexible and efficient automation.

CompositesWorld’s Tech Days: Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures is designed to provide a multi-perspective view of the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

The new Engel technical center facility covers all application areas for the automotive sector and technical injection molding.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certifies use of jointly developed CFRP repair technique on FPSO and FSO industrial systems, addressing traditional steel restoration challenges.

How the predictive tool “CZone” is applied to simulate the axial crushing response of composites, providing valuable insights into their use for motorsport applications.

Beyond aerospace, the company has also demonstrated the technology commercially with agricultural machinery, working with a customer  to replace steel spray boom arms for industrial tractors with 50-meter-wide pultruded composite booms. “The steel booms cannot be as wide, because they are heavier and not as stiff,” explains Romain Coullette, sales director of Epsilon. “Composites are stiffer, lighter and eliminate potential issues with corrosion, so there are many benefits, but productivity is the biggest advantage.” Larger booms enable fields to be sprayed in less time, increasing efficiency.

The ITHEC 2024 will take place from the 9 to 10 October 2024 in Bremen, Germany. At the 7th International Conference, more than 300 participants from around the world will be presenting and discussing newest scientific results, meet leading international specialists, share their expertise and start business co-operations in the field of thermoplastic composite technologies. The international exhibition will feature 40+ exhibitors showcasing all steps of the supply-chain. Be it materials, machines, testing, processes, or solutions. By combining the exhibition and the conference ITHEC is further fostering the inter-connectivity between science and industry.