Under the leadership of the Aachen Centre for Integrative Lightweight Construction (AZL, Aachen / Germany; www.azl-aachen-gmbh.de) and the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV, Aachen; www.ikv-aachen.de) of RWTH Aachen University (Aachen; www.rwth-aachen.de), a consortium of international companies has joined forces to explore the use of sheet moulding compounds (SMC) in lightweight production. The companies are launching a "Joint Market and Technology Study" on the development of high-performance (HP-SMC) materials, with a kick-off meeting on 12 September. Companies along the entire SMC value chain, including materials, equipment and mould suppliers as well as parts manufacturers and OEMs, can participate in the study.

The aim of the 12-month research study is to open up additional applications for fibre-reinforced plastics in sectors such as automotive, E&E and construction. Using in-depth knowledge on SMC applications, technologies and simulation methods, new HP-SMCs can then be developed, consisting of short or continuous carbon and glass fibres, combinations of both fibres or customised resin compounds.