CompositesWorld
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43 CompositesWorld.com NEWS N E W S N S N E W S E N W S W introduced into the production chain and at the same productivity rate as thermoset prepregs. "Our goal is to make the automated process of forming composites less and less expensive over time, to bring this tech- nology down to Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, for more and more secondary structures. Our business model is based on taking cost out," states Hamlyn. With several potential automotive customers in the wings, a special thermo- plastic head for automotive parts may be coming, he adds, one that would reduce scrap rates to the minimum, and use industrial-grade, 50K tows to reduce cost. On a growth trajectory Termoplastic composites are on the upswing, as the composites industry's reach continues to expand. Fokker's Ofringa points out some of the current, qualifed and fying thermoplastic aerospace parts that have already made the cut: the cockpit foor in the Airbus A400M; fxed leading edges for the Airbus A340-500/600 and A380; Apache combat helicopter avionics bay panels; foor panels for the Gulfstream G4, G5 and G6 families; and the rudder and elevators for the Dassault Falcon F5X. "Te volume Read this article online | short.compositesworld.com/TPCEurope Read about the European Union's End-of Life Vehicle directive and its early impact on composites recycling efforts in "Carbon fiber: Life Beyond the Landfill" | short.compositesworld.com/3aXXjjLR Read about one recent, high-profile example of injection overmolding in "CAMISMA's car seat back: Hybrid composite for high volume" | short.compositesworld.com/Camisma Read more about mass production of thermoplastic composite fuselage clips for the Airbus A350 XWB in the following: "Inside a thermoplastic composites hotbed" | short.compositesworld.com/TCHotbed "Thermoplastic composites "clip" time, labor on small but crucial parts" | short.compositesworld.com/RTPClips Read more about the genesis of eTAC in "New European thermoplastic automotive composites consortium established" | short.compositesworld.com/eTAC2012 of some of these parts, particularly for Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft, is going to grow to unprec- edented levels as the build rates increase," he asserts. Concludes Heerink, "We have the tools and the joint funding with our partners to successfully develop thermoplastics to meet the rate of innovation that's required by these large OEMs. I foresee continuous growth here at the center, and collaboration with more industries, including automotive and civil engineering, going forward." Sara Black is CW's technical editor and has served on the CW staf for 17 years. sara@compositesworld.com Visit the All-New compositesone.com. Working with Composites One gives you access to a unique partnership that starts with our PEOPLE, from regional customer service reps and technical sales teams to local support teams at over 35 distribution centers throughout North America. As your partner, we'll help you find everything you need, make sure you receive it when you need it and do what it takes to help grow your business including offering you emerging market expertise and process application know-how. And we'll provide you with the unmatched service and support that you should expect from the nation's leading composites distributor. That's the power of Partnership. The Power of One – Composites One. 800.621.8003 | www.compositesone.com | www.b2bcomposites.com People | Product | Process | Performance "At Composites One, we make it our business to know your business." Gary Yoder, Driver, Goshen, IN European Thermoplastic Composites Update