JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #69 - November/December 2011 - 5

in out-of-autoclave processes; i.e. at low temperature, low pressure and still providing good mechanical performance. We are looking at curing mechanisms that can work with something else than temperature: a snap-cure with curing activated by UV or microwaves, for example. We JCM: What is your R&D pay close attention to strategy to increase your automation with a lot of market share? developments too. Rationalise J.M. : Umeco first focuses on is another key part of our processability. We want to research. In aeronautics, the promote and develop same resin could be used production at lower cost and regardless of the fabric, for higher quality via our composite example. We want to technology. For example, we differentiate ourselves from have made lots of developments Toray or Hexcel which used to

footprint in China first and then in other emerging markets. But we continue to invest where we are already present. Recently we have expanded our prepreg manufacturing capabilities in Germany. We always look for opportunities which fit within our strategy. I think that automotive is the biggest potential. Composites will replace metal to lighten cars. In 10 years' time many more cars will be made with composites. We will see a quantum change. Here the challenges are the cost dynamics and the rate of production. Composites can be cost effective for 100,000 vehicles per annum. Of course all has to be automated, the robotic lay-up of thermoset prepreg being an area of Umeco expertise. For higher volumes, we could use thermoplastics such as polyamide or highquality polyethylene. Umeco already sees robust manufacture of structural automotive parts down to a cost of €30/kg. There is a substantial volume with this price. It is a robust alternative to metals.

Umeco’s sites on global scale

managed through two business streams: Umeco Composites Structural Materials (UCSM) focuses on the development, manufacture and supply of advanced composite materials. Operating from facilities in Europe and the USA, this business develops, manufactures and supplies a broad range of advanced composite materials: prepregs – autoclave and out-of-autoclave; adhesive films/pastes; cross-plied face sheets; honeycomb flat panels; parts manufacturing development capabilities;

No69 November - December 2011 / jec composites magazine

be focused only on performance. R&d is a key activity in our development strategy. Umeco has joined the national Composite Centre in Bristol as a founding member with Airbus, AgustaWestland and GKn Aerospace, among others. Two other of our main research topics are carbon fibre recycling (with the Fibercycle project and two other projects) and the development of a sudothermoplastic resin, processable like a thermoplastic but with thermoset properties. So far, we have worked for 2 years on this topic and we can already achieve the tack and flow of a thermoplastic. We want to

and comprehensive R&D facilities. UCSM includes the following companies: Advanced Composites Group, J.D. Lincoln and GRPMS.

Umeco Composites Process Materials (UCPM) focuses on the development, manufacture and supply of processing materials and tooling for the advanced composites industry. Operating from facilities in Europe, the USA and ../.. p8 China, this business develops, manufactures and

JCM: What is your human resource policy to achieve your goals?

make it a generic material.

J.M. : We attract people because we have an exciting and innovative environment, we give responsibility and encourage ideas. Our company is not bureaucratic. We manage to recruit good people with good skills and have a low turnover. Umeco is a growing transcultural company which employs people from many countries. n
More information: www.umeco.com .../... continued on p8

http://www.umeco.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #69 - November/December 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #69 - November/December 2011