This collaboration aims to explore new applications that will enhance the performance and sustainability of composite materials. The partnership will accelerate the transition from research to real-world applications across multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive and other industrial markets.
The partnership will focus on:
• Researching new applications: Exploring novel uses for composite materials to improve efficiency, performance, and sustainability
• Collaborative innovation and development: Joint R&D projects will foster advancements in material properties, manufacturing processes, and automation technologies
• Setting the standard for the future: Establishing a roadmap for the evolution of composite materials over the next decade, defining the industry’s benchmarks and best practices
Driving Industry Transformation
By integrating digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing techniques, the collaboration will seek to enhance material performance, reduce production costs and contribute to the sustainability goals of the industry.
“This strategic alliance will accelerate the development of next-generation composite materials and their applications in high-impact industries”, said Ernesto Gonzalez, CEO of FIDAMC. By leveraging our combined expertise, we will create disruptive innovations that set the foundation for the future of composites.”
Thierry Merlot, president aerospace Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa & Industrial of Hexcel, added: “Innovation is at the core of our business. By partnering with FIDAMC, we will not only push the limits of what composite materials can achieve but also establish a clear vision for their role in the coming decade.”
Last September, Hexcel announced the transition of its winter sports industry production to the new HexPly Nature bio-derived product range.
This move includes the full conversion of HexPly M78.1-LT prepregs to the more sustainable HexPly Nature version.
Since the early 1970s, when it manufactured its composite skis at industrial scale, Hexcel has been a partner to the winter sports industry. Today, the company supplies a portfolio of products, including HexPly prepregs, Polyspeed laminates, and Modipur polyurethanes, to companies such as Elan, Fischer, Kästle, Stöckli, Tecnica Group (Blizzard and Nordica brands), and Völkl.
