We invest heavily in research and development to ensure we remain at the forefront of thermoplastics technology. Most of our R&T activities fall into the following key areas:
Hybrid Moulding / Composite Overmoulding
We have industry leading capabilities in moulding thermoplastic composite components with injection moulded features such as bosses, ribs or embedded components. Our aim is to help our customers achieve a high rate manufacture of complex composite components whilst also cutting weight and cost.
Advancements in high temperature, engineering thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites
Our R&T and Design departments work with partners in industry to develop new and innovative processes, concepts and components. Our aim is to take cost and weight out of aircraft and enable high rate manufacture of complex aerospace and defence applications. Partners we are working with in these areas include Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Thales.
3D Printing / Additive Manufacture
As a highly experienced plastics supplier to high tech industries such as Aerospace, Defence, Automotive and Medical, we are the ideal partner for 3D printing research and development projects. We are working with aerospace primes and tier 1s as well as with commercial brands like our sister company Denman to advance plastic 3D printing technology. Our additive manufacturing capabilities allow us to print high temperature plastics such as PEEK, PEKK and PEI (Ultem) as well as commodity plastic grades. We have both SLA and FDM machines with a range of size capability meaning we can cater for a wide variety of applications.
