On September 28, 2018, a new organization called IRG CosiMo (Industrial Research Group: Composites for Sustainable Transport) began operations in Augsburg, Germany.
IRG CosiMo is a private partnership focused on the development of thermoplastic materials and processing technologies in aviation and automotive.
IRG CosiMo brings together companies along the thermoplastic composites process chain, from materials and semi-finished products (Solvay) to processing machinery (Engel) to automotive (Faurecia) and aerospace applications (Premium Aerotec).
The first piece of equipment is a 1000-ton press equipped with a mold operating system, supplemented by different thermoplastic material processing equipment. The press is part of a complete production line. The production line is already equipped with a small billet heating system and a stacking system, which will be replaced by full-scale equipment later in the project.
"This project is the key to the next technological step in designing and producing a modern airframe." Dr. Thomas Ehm, CEO of Premium Aerotec, said, "We are not only studying the application of this material, but also a modern digital factory. What it will look like. "
"Thermoplastic composites offer unique advantages in terms of molding, connectivity, design, function, and economy," said Fabrizio Ponte, Solvay Composites' vice president of strategy, business development and communications. Success factors such as component production still need to reach industrial scale. IRG CosiM was built to address these issues. "
"IRG CosiMo confirms Faurecia's determination to shape the future of transportation." Hassine Sioud, general manager of Faurecia's ultralight structure and battery systems business unit, asserts, "We believe that thermoplastic composites are key to meeting the latest regulations for automotive weight, because by using innovative materials , Can significantly reduce the environmental impact of cars, enhance functional integration, and help meet customer needs for the best solution and design freedom. "
IRG CosiMo is open to new partner companies and collaborates with research units in the Augsburg Research Park to develop key supporting functions such as digitization, materials research, and functional design of parts.
At the Augsburg Technology Center, the cooperating group has found a place where joint research can be performed and machines for technology platforms can be installed.