AFS Joins Thermoplastics Research Center
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Alcoa Fastening Systems and the Netherlands-based ThermoPlastic Composites Research Center (TPRC) are collaborating to develop thermoplastic composite technologies.
“The growing role of composite structures in modern aircraft requires adapted fasteners and in certain cases fasteners that have different functions,” said Massimo Cella, Director Development Programs at AFS. “AFS believes in R&D to evolve products in harmony with new requirements. In this perspective AFS has joined TPRC and is looking forward to projects and activities to support concepts and design of future solutions.”
Torrance, CA-based AFS designs and manufactures fastening systems, including specialty fasteners, fluid fittings, assembly components, and installation systems, for aerospace and industrial applications. The company has over 6,800 employees at 32 manufacturing and distribution/logistics locations in 11 countries.
Winand Kok, Managing Engineer of TenCate Advanced Composites, added: “Thermoplastic composites are materials for volume production of single parts. The next step is efficiently combining these parts into more complex assemblies. The unique properties of thermoplastics open a whole new array of fastening solutions for product designers to take into account.
“With its broad know-how of fasteners and fastener installation in metals and traditional thermoset composites, AFS is a key enabler in developing new cost effective and weight efficient fastening solutions for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications. We are looking forward to teaming up with AFS and our other TPRC partners to take thermoplastic composite product design and associated processes to the next level”.
The University of Twente is also pleased with the collaboration.
“In Twente, we realize that the gap between scientific innovation and commercial exploitation still needs to be bridged,” stated University of Twente president Victor van der Chijs. “The TPRC is a perfect example of a successful venture to liaise our scientific work to the business community. With this new partnership, the TPRC can further grow and develop to be the obvious and indispensable partner for companies in various value chains that want to use thermoplastic composites.”
TPRC is a not-for-profit organization that performs research to increase the market for thermoplastic composites. Since the opening of its laboratory in 2012, TPRC has steadily grown its activities in aerospace and more recently in automotive as well. Web: tprc.nl/
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