#Composites

2019-06-27

Hexcel announces official opening of FAHCCT laboratory in Shanghai

Customers and local authority representatives joined Hexcel, Progen and Future Aerospace at the FAHCCT opening ceremony © Hexcel

Future Aerospace Hexcel Commercial Composite Testing Limited (FAHCCT) will provide China with a world-class aerospace standard materials testing laboratory that provides technical services including support with materials qualification for commercial aircraft programs.

Planned activities at the site will include mechanical and chemical testing of composite laminate specimens (including fatigue performance), material qualifications, and provision of support for customer supply chains in China.

This extensive new laboratory, with more than 1,000 square meters of floor space, will be fully operational in the coming weeks, employing 18 technicians to perform highly reliable testing of composite materials for commercial aerospace customers in China and the wider Asian region.

The new laboratory was awarded AS9100 certification in May 2019 and will work on existing and future aerospace customer specifications using state of the art equipment and standards that are already in use at other Hexcel facilities worldwide.

Engineering depth and diversity for composites

Airbond is the latest member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) to receive recognition for contributions to the composites industry. The engineering firm based in Pontypool, South Wales, has just received the Make UK Energy and Sustainability Award for its Lattice 3D Printing project.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.