Toray Advanced Composites has signed a Tier 1 membership with the United Kingdom’s National Composites Centre (NCC) to use the facilities and capabilities for its research.
As part of the agreement, Toray will collaborate with the NCC on major composites innovation programs in the U.K. within both the aerospace and automotive sectors.
As part of those project, the two companies will collaborate on the Wing of Tomorrow project, which is Airbus’ largest research and technology program, aimed at developing a composite wing manufacturing concept for a next-generation single-aisle aircraft. The major cross-industry partnership involves the NCC, aerostructure supplier Spirit and aerospace components manufacturer GKN working on the next-generation aircraft wings. Toray will work together with the partners to develop materials and product solutions for the program.
Toray Advanced Composites, previously Tencate Advanced Composites, has been in collaboration with the NCC since 2012.
Tencate was acquired by Toray Group in July 2018 and was renamed as Torday Advanced Composites.
In addition to its core research program on thermoplastics composites, Toray said it now be working with the NCC to shape its future research direction with other industry members.
The NCC will also be supporting Toray to connect more closely with its partner, the Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), which will share the findings of its composites research activity taking place across the University of Bristol.
“The NCC incubate and drive forward a collaborative platform for technology and material innovation, enabling the next generation of composites adoption. As a longstanding member of the NCC, we are excited to accelerate this progress together with the NCC and industry partners as a tier 1 member,” said Frank Meurs, managing director at Toray Advanced Composites.
Parent company Toray will be part of K 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany, in October at Hall 6, Booth D20.