Produced in a single operation, these modules are 30% to 45% lighter than the current metal-based solutions. The JEC Innovation Award is the result of Hutchinson's composites' strategy, which has been developed since 2007, particularly in the aeronautics and automobile sectors. The creation of the CTeC (Composite Technical Center) allows a high standard of support in the design, development and qualification of systems or composite parts: complex structures, fluid distribution systems, smart panels and their supporting structures. The CTeC is working on new manufacturing processes, with greatly reduced cycle times, such as injection in all its forms, stamping, thermoforming and pultrusion or filament winding, in addition to new materials such as specific thermoplastic alloys. “We develop new processes particularly less labour intensive with reduced or even without hand lay-up,” explained Bertrand Florentz, director of the CTeC. “Our advantage is our ability to integrate functions into our composites thanks to numerous proprietary qualified solutions and materials, such as the absorption or damping of sound and vibration, thermal insulation, electrical conductivity or resistivity. These are important advantages for the transport sector.” Based in Châlette-sur-Loing, France, CTeC is dedicated to the development of new composite products, materials and processes and, by the end of 2014, will employ 50 personnel. Located next to the Hutchinson Research Center, the CTeC benefits of the whole group's expertise in all areas as acoustics, material characterisation, mechanical vibration and thermal protection, in addition to its premium computing capabilities. Hutchinson will be exhibiting at JEC Europe in hall 7.3. – stand D61. www.hutchinson.fr
