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Dutch Firms Create Automotive Composites Group
Five European experts in fiber-reinforced plastics for the aerospace industry have formed a consortium to pursue automotive applications for thermoplastic versions of the materials.
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Five European experts in fiber-reinforced plastics for the aerospace industry have formed a consortium to pursue automotive applications for thermoplastic versions of the materials.
The European Thermoplastic Automotive Composites (eTAC) group is being launched this month by Dutch Thermoplastic Components, Kok & Van Engelen, NLR National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands, TenCate Advanced Composites and VIRO.
Unlike thermoset composites, thermoplastic composites can be stamped, eTAC points out. Such materials also can be used to form large parts that contain zones reinforced to meet different strength requirements, thus reducing cost and weight.
The partners say they will work on specific projects for carmakers and suppliers, pooling their talents as needed. A primary goal is to find faster production processes for glass- and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic components.
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