ITHEC 2024 finalizes conference program, features CW panel on TPC certification for future airframes

Source (left, clockwise): Fraunhofer, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre Netherlands, Daher and GKN Fokker.

The International Conference and Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites (ITHEC) has announced its program for October 2024. This conference program will bring together top professionals, researchers and industry leaders in the field of thermoplastic composites (TPC) to share the latest trends, developments and advancements in the industry.

ITHEC 2024 features a lineup of keynote speakers, sessions and technical presentations covering a wide range of topics including:

Novel product and process technologies
Airframe structures
Body and undercarriage
Hydrogen
Material insights
Sustainability
And more.

Participants will gain valuable insights and knowledge from experts in the field and be able to network with peers from around the world. CW will also present the following panel discussion:

“Large-scale thermoplastic composite demonstrators – status and roadmap for certification in future airframes.”

The maturity of TPC materials and processes is being advanced to realize weight, cost and efficiency benefits for more sustainable aircraft. This includes projects such as Clean Sky’s Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD), Collins’ next-gen nacelle, Daher’s full-scale torsion box for the TBM aircraft and GKN Fokker’s ongoing work toward larger and welded/integrated structures such as fuselage panels. It also includes large-scale materials qualification and characterization programs. But how close are we to actual certification(s) and what issues and achievements remain to get TPC structures onto next-gen single aisle and eVTOL/air mobility aircraft?

Our panelists represent OEMs, Tier 1s and material suppliers leading this effort and will discuss the current status and roadmaps they see as well as future opportunities for TPC primary structures:

Steve Cease, global chief technology officer — Toray Advanced Composites
Arnt Offringa, director of the Global Technology Center Netherlands — GKN Aerospace
Claire Steggall-Murphy, strategic technology manager — Victrex
Michel van Tooren, Senior Technical Fellow structures in composites, R&T — Collins Aerospace
Julie Vaudour, composites expert and R&D deputy director — Daher
Piet Wölcken, European R&T demonstrator project manager — Airbus

In addition to the conference program, ITHEC 2024 will also include an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge products and innovations from leading companies in the composites industry. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the latest technologies and solutions on the market, as well as the chance to connect with exhibitors and sponsors.

ITHEC 2024 will take place October 9-10 in Bremen, Germany. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to register for the conference and benefit from the early bird rates. For more information and to register, visit the ITHEC 2024 website.