Composites are one of the key technologies in light construction. Composites Europe reflects the growing market for light materials. From 22–24 September, the trade fair in Stuttgart exhibits a whole range of fibre-reinforced plastics, among which are numerous innovations in the applications of automobile construction, air and space travel, boat construction, wind energy and the construction sector.On its 10th anniversary, the trade fair is setting new records. The coming-together of 450 exhibitors from 30 nations emphasises the international significance of Composites Europe, which has continuously performed at record levels since its inauguration; for the first time, this year Composites Europe is exhibiting across three fair halls.
Composites Europe 2015 is also promoting new themes, programme highlights and premieres. In addition to automation for serial production and new light construction concepts, future themes, such as material repairs of fibre-reinforced plastic components, potential biologically based materials and of basalt fibres, are increasingly adopted.
In total, 11,000 light construction experts, from automobile construction, air travel, mechanical construction, boat construction, wind energy and the construction sector are expected to attend the Mess Stuttgart exhibition grounds, a third of which are coming from overseas. It is clear how important the fair has become for the international composite industry by the well-booked national pavilions from Italy, the Netherlands, France, China and the USA, the partner country of Composites Europe this year.
Mass-production manufacturing processes as a focus of fairs and fora
The greatest challenge for the industry remains the development and optimisation of mass-production manufacturing and the processing of composite components. At Composites Europe, the industry shows the appropriate production and processing procedures, material innovations and current light construction projects.
Industry and scientific expertise in specialist areas
The Composites forum offers an exciting lecture programme consisting of exhibition proposals, as well as sessions dedicated to the themes "Composite 4.0 at RWTH Aachen University: Innovative technologies, from fibre production to repair solutions" and "Composites in the application of wind energy". It is free for visitors to the fair to take part in the forum.Product Demonstration AreaIt is "experienceable" when placed in front: In the Product Demonstration Area, one of the visitor highlights of each Composites Europe is where the fair assembles new high-tech products and makes "experienceable" the existence of composites components in live demonstrations. Among the exhibitors are Evonik Industries, the Institute for Aeroplane Construction from the University of Stuttgart, Euro-RTM-Group, RH Schneidtechnik and Piekenbrink Composites.
In the specialist area, "Industry meets Science" - being held for the second time after its successful premiere in 2014 under the management of the Institute of Plastic Processing (Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung - IKV) - the most recent developments and highlights from the domains of processing technologies, design, quality assurance and repairs are demonstrated.
