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18 Jul 2008  -  United Kingdom

Airbus qualification for ACG's out-of-autoclave processing material

Advanced Composites Group (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, announced on July 16, 2008 that Airbus has confirmed the qualification of the Group’s first ‘Out-Of-Autoclave' preimpregnated advanced composite material, specifically MTM®44-1, for structural applications.

MTM44-1 is a dual cure (130-180°C [266- 355°F]), high performance, toughened epoxy matrix which has been optimised for low pressure vacuum-bag processing to provide low internal void content, with the resulting composite performances being comparable to those of more standard autoclave cured systems. 

Out-Of-Autoclave moulding of MTM44-1 can offer immediate benefits to manufacturers, like Airbus, such as lower capital equipment outlay, as well as savings on certain associated processing costs. However, in the longer term, it is understood that this technology will also facilitate the manufacture of larger and more integrated structures, that might otherwise be constrained by the dimensions and significant investments required for traditional in-autoclave processing.

Airbus has qualified MTM44-1 in two prepreg formats (tape and fabric) and these products are being actively promoted for applications on a range of Airbus aircraft. Airbus and ACG have underpinned the qualification of MTM44-1 by signing a framework contract that will provide commercial and technical stability to Airbus subcontractors adopting this new technology over the coming years.

MTM44-1 is just one of ACG’s next generation OOA processing structural systems. Three other systems, MTM®45-1, MTM®46 and MVR444, are currently in use or under qualification for a variety of civil and military applications.

Jon Mabbitt, Managing Director of Advanced Composites Group, said: “We are extremely proud to receive these qualifications from Airbus for our ground breaking Out-Of-Autoclave advanced composite materials. This new technology allows larger structures to be constructed for aerospace, automotive and wind applications. The strength-to-weight ratios mean that, in the longer term, these materials could have environmental benefits for transport through greater fuel efficiency.”

About Advanced Composites Group (ACG)
ACG, part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc,  is a manufacturer of advanced composites materials and components. ACG specialises in the manufacture of high performance composite materials for a diverse range of industries such as motorsport, aerospace, marine, automotive, construction, wind energy and leisure sports. The main focus of the Group's business, which operates through four divisions, is the manufacture of prepregs for components and tooling. ACG has manufacturing operations in Heanor and Manchester in the UK, Tulsa in the USA and Cape Town in South Africa. The Group is managed from its head office in Heanor and employs around 560 worldwide.

About Umeco
Umeco is a leading innovator in distribution and supply chain management to the aerospace and defence industries, harnessing new methods for enhancing its customers' performance and profitability.

Umeco also has significant manufacturing interests in advanced composite materials for a growing range of applications in its core aerospace and defence markets and in other high performance technology industries such as motor sport, automotive and wind energy. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Umeco had turnover of £335.2 million in the year to 31 March 2008.

Umeco is managed through two divisions
Umeco Composites - a provider of a complete range of advanced composite materials principally to the aerospace, motor sport, automotive and wind energy markets. Customers include Boeing, Airbus, BAE Systems, manufacturers of wind turbines, a number of manufacturers of high performance super cars and Formula 1 teams including Team McLaren Mercedes.
Umeco Supply Chain - a leading international provider of value-added distribution and supply chain outsourcing services to customers in the aerospace and defence market. With its specialisation in the supply of small components and sophisticated IT systems, its growing global customer base can enjoy significant operational, cost and working capital benefits. Customers include Rolls-Royce plc, BAE Systems, Safran Group, Parker Aerospace, Goodrich, Thales, Aerospace, Turbomeca, Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense.

Source : ACG