New opportunities in composites manufacture

Delcam is to host a half-day seminar entitled "New opportunities in composites manufacture" at its Birmingham headquarters on Thursday 17th March 2005.

Delcam is to host a half-day seminar entitled "New opportunities in composites manufacture" at its Birmingham headquarters on Thursday 17th March 2005.

The seminar, which is free of charge, is being supported by the National Composites Network and will include a presentation from NCN outlining how the programme can help companies either wanting to enter the composites industry or wishing to expand their business in the sector.

Other presentations will be given on applications in aerospace by Dave Phipps, Manager of the Airbus Composites Research Centre, and on developments in the marine sector by a speaker from the British Marine Federation.

In addition, Delcam will show how its range of Power Solution software can help both designers and manufacturers of composite components to increase productivity, improve quality and reduce delivery times.

Unlike many other areas within UK manufacturing, the composites industry is continuing to grow as the materials are used increasingly to replace metals and wood.

New applications continue to be found as the properties of the materials are developed, especially in the aerospace, automotive and marine industries.

The changing patterns in materials use offer both threats and opportunities to component manufacturers and the toolmakers that support them.

In particular, companies that have been hit by the recent decline in UK mouldmaking could find new opportunities in the composites area.

Their skills in producing complex injection moulds could be transferred relatively easily to the manufacture of tooling for compression moulding and reaction injection moulding of composites.

Similarly, firms that have traditionally made models and patterns for the metals industry could turn to producing similar items for composites manufacture.

The presentations will be followed by a buffet lunch, after which delegates will have opportunities for informal discussions with the speakers and to tour Delcam's toolroom.

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