Composites are one of the key technologies in lightweight construction, and Composites Europe reflects the growing market for lightweight materials. From 7 – 9 October, the Düsseldorf trade fair will once again showcase the full range of fibre-reinforced plastics. In addition, the trade fair will provide an outlook on the future of composites through a number of forums and new special areas such as the "Bio-based Pavilion" and "Industry meets Science."More than 400 exhibitors from 25 nations – many international key players among them – are expected to present new lightweight construction concepts, materials, and the latest production and automation solutions at the ninth edition of Composites Europe. A total of 10,000 lightweight construction experts representing automotive engineering, aviation and boatbuilding as well as the wind energy and construction sectors are expected at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, a third of them from outside Germany. Not for nothing: the international industry considers Composites Europe the most important event in the German market – the largest composites market in Europe. Solidly booked country pavilions representing Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, China and Hungary further underscore how important the trade fair has become for the international composites sector.
Trade fair and forums to focus on high-volume manufacturing processes
Devising and optimising processes that enable high-volume manufacturing of composites components remains the biggest challenge for the industry. At Composites Europe, the industry will present suitable production and processing methods, innovative materials and current lightweight construction projects. Additionally, the trade fair highlights new ideas at the Composites Forum and in special areas, including the Product Demonstration Area, the new "Industry meets Science" area and the "Bio-based Pavilion".
Composites Forum: real-world innovations
Part of the trade fair will be an exciting lecture programme, the international Composites Forum, which will be filled by the VDMA Forum Composite Technology, the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) and Composites Europe exhibitors. Presentations will center on production technology in composite manufacturing. Among other topics, lectures by VDMA member companies will focus on automation of logistics processes, production of preforms, economically viable manufacturing of thermoplastic structural components and joining technologies for high-volume production. Trade fair visitors may attend the forums free of charge.
