JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #33 - June 2007 - 10

COMPANIES COMPANIES MVP brings in RTM/infusion technical specialist LM Glasfiber opens new R&D centre in Bangalore Maiden flight of an indigenously-designed aircraft* JEC Composites Magazine / No33 June 2007 Bond-Laminates is expanding In order to meet ever-increasing demand for its Tepex® thermoplastic composite materials, Bond-Laminates has commissioned a new production facility next to its previous site in Brilon, Germany. The expansion includes a production facility of 1,800 m2 and 400 m2 of office space. With further investments in production equipment, the annual production capacity has been increased from 400 tons to 1,200 tons/year. The existing production line with a capacity of 400 tons/year is running in a three-shift operation. A second line with a capacity of 800 tons/year is currently being commissioned. In addition to this considerable capacity increase, the company has installed a water-jet cutting line for trimming the fully consolidated laminates to customised contours on demand. www.bond-laminates.de Magnum Venus Plastech recently announced the addition of composites industry expert Charles Tur to the MVP team, following a merger between Magnum Venus and Plastech TT in December 2006. Mr Tur’s arrival will enable the company to expand the capabilities of its new RTM division. He began his career in the composites industry over 20 years ago. He brings his years of knowledge and experience to the job of MVP RTM/Infusion Technical Specialist. Charles is now presenting the Light RTM tooling workshops, held at the Plastech facility in the United Kingdom and throughout the international markets. www.mvpind.com LM Glasfiber recently celebrated the opening of a new R&D centre in Bangalore, India at an official inauguration ceremony attended by representatives of the government of Karnataka, leading local universities and research institutions, LM Glasfiber group management and the local press. The new R&D centre marks the start of a new global innovation and technology push to expand LM Glasfiber's R&D capacity and capabilities and reinforce a commitment to support a growing number of customers worldwide. www.lmglasfiber.com The second prototype version of India's first indigenously-designed commercial civilian aircraft, Saras, recorded a successful 40-minute maiden flight in April 2007, climbing to an altitude of 9,000 feet and attaining a maximum speed of just under 150 knots. It was an almost flawless flight. Designed and developed in India by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the eight to 14 seater light transport aircraft, Saras PT2, now joins the first prototype (PT1), which flew in May 2004. The chief difference between PT2 and PT1 is the incorporation of two turboprop (rear facing propellers) Pratt and Whitney PT 6A-67A engines of 1,200 hp each and propellers of a larger diameter, which differ from PT1’s two PT 6A-66 engines of 850 hp each. This has been done to meet the stringent climb gradient requirements under one engine failure condition as stipulated by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR25) of the United States, which is the certification standard for Saras. Though the PT2 is much closer to the final production standard, NAL has also begun a weight-optimisation programme. This would be achieved through optimisation of metallic structures, stringent fabrication control and increased use of composites. NAL is expected to validate the performance levels of the PT2 to the IAF by simulating the all-up weight of 7,100 kg. NAL hopes to pitch Saras in various roles such as a feeder and light cargo aircraft as well as an air ambulance. * In partnership with FRP TODAY / Provided by K. R. Pillai - Editor www.jeccomposites.com/magazine-subscription = 2 additional sources of information 1 subscription form (FREE)

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JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #33 - June 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #33 - June 2007