Composites – On the path to becoming a key industry?

The 1^st International Composites Congress (ICC) organised by the trade association Composites Germany was a complete success. Nearly 350 visitors participated in the inaugural event in Stuttgart, which featured more than 30 technical lectures and a panel discussion with leading experts. Their objective: to identify potential breakthrough applications for fibre reinforced composites using traditional and high performance techniques – especially in high wage countries.

"The support of the major associations and organisations in the German composites industry was absolutely key to establishing this new event in Europe's largest composites market. AVK, CCeV, CFK-Valley and the VDMA Forum Composite Technology currently represent the interests of 777 member companies. Their shared goal is to develop high performance composites and pioneering integrated and automated production techniques in and for Germany," said Dr Michael Effing, Chairman of Composites Germany and the AVK.

Topical issues such as process technologies for thermoplastic composite systems, material efficiency and hybrid lightweight construction were important focuses at the ICC. Exhibitor presentations at the trade fair reflected their strengths in addressing these trends. Market-ready solutions for series production are increasingly establishing themselves in application industries.

COMPOSITES EUROPE is an important forum for mechanical engineering companies to showcase their innovations. Our companies offer a growing number of solutions for series applications and face the constant challenge of identifying process technologies with long-term user demand," said Dr Stefan Schlichter from the VDMA Forum Composite Technology.

The high cost of recycling was another major area addressed at the ICC – especially for CRP materials. Reducing costs in this area is vital in order to boost acceptance of these materials as a whole both in industry and research. In addition, recycling CRP materials is critical to ensuring that companies comply with national and European standards, e.g. the German Waste Management and Product Recycling Act and the so-called "end-of-life vehicle ordinance". Dr Reinhard Janta from CCeV emphasised that member organisations of Composites Germany are working both on recycling and the development of a seamless training and education programme. After all, a well-trained workforce with a sound understanding of these cutting edge technologies is essential to reinforce position of CRP in production applications.

The USA was the partner country of the ICC this year. International exchange and cooperation are key factors in the development of pioneering new composite technologies. They enable companies to transfer additional automation solutions and cost saving innovations to customer-specific products more quickly and effectively. "Composites Germany unites the country's expertise in the composites industry. The ICC is an excellent platform for the international exchange of ideas and links with Composites Europe to create additional synergies," said Dr Gunnar Merz from CFK-Valley.

Dr Elmar Witten, Spokesman for the Management of Composites Germany announced that the next ICC will take place on 28/29 November 2016 in Düsseldorf. He also presented several other areas, which are receiving the attention of the trade association. "The work of all the member companies in our organisations in creating norms and standards is a central priority. Our twice yearly market survey is now a well-established publication and we also provide political and technical public relations services."