Lightweight Structures
The Lightweight Structures Research Group focuses on understanding and applying thermoplastic composites and their production processes.
The research group is also known as the Thermoplastic Composites Application Centre (TPAC). We innovate with regional and national businesses by providing access to expertise and production facilities. In addition, we develop proof-of-concepts for SMEs.
Our areas of expertise
Fully equipped laboratory for processing thermoplastic composite materials.
The entire production cycle on a small but industrial scale: from raw material to semi-finished product, to processing, recycling and characterising and calculating material.
Cost-effective thermoplastic composites for SMEs
Our research group is an open research environment that focuses on the development of new and existing cost-effective lightweight materials and processes, for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Application-oriented research in collaboration with education
We are actively involved in educating and training students, including providing them with advanced knowledge of lightweight composites. We work closely and cooperate with a number of bachelor's programmes.
Questions or interested in collaboration?
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dr. ir. Ferrie van Hattum
Our focus
Research at the Lightweight Structures/TPAC Research Group focuses on producing thermoplastic composites. The most advanced knowledge and expertise is tailored to the specific needs of SMEs. The research group focuses on cost-effective and workable solutions to ensure a smooth integration into your business.
Process Technology
Research and development of cost-effective processes, integrating thermoplastic composites into existing and new processes. This is done for both long and continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic products in order to achieve low weight and improved material properties.
Automation
Automation and integration of production processes to increase cost-effectiveness, produce higher quality and increased productivity in the processing of thermoplastic composites. This involves developing high-volume and other production processes using automated robots, such as 3D tape placement and insert moulding.
Recycling
Development of innovative material, design and processing solutions for the reuse of thermoplastic composites, or thermoplastic waste, in existing and new products. This involves research into recycling routes for (fibre-reinforced) thermoplastic waste from consumers and industrial sources.
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How can we work together?
The Lightweight Structures/TPAC Research Group works closely with SMEs in the areas of cost-effective processes, automation and recycling of thermoplastic composites. Is your business interested in collaborating on a research project? Then please contact us!
There are a variety of grants and subsidies available. We draw up proposals together with SMEs, in which we explain what we want to research and why it is important. We can carry out applied research once a grant application has been approved, and the results can be directly applied in practice.
The entire production cycle for your product or application can be simulated in our thermoplastic composites lab, on a small but industrial scale: from material to semi-finished product, to processing, recycling and characterising and calculating the material.
In addition to the various funding schemes, we are able to undertake paid research assignments that fall within our areas of expertise, e.g. for specific small assignments.
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Thermoplastic composite materials (TPCs) have great potential for the large-scale production of components and products for diverse applications. Together we can find the solution!
Our partners
Our researchers
Collaboration between the research group, the professional field and education
An important task for our research group is to prepare today's students for the industry of tomorrow. We bring students from different study programmes into contact with industry and current issues from practice.
Related programmes
The research group is involved in the following programmes:
Are you graduating or are you looking for an internship? Want to do more in addition to your study and are you interested in research? Then please contact us!