Celebrating the landmark of its 50th outing this year, JEC World, held annually in Paris, has unquestionably become the global stage on which to highlight the latest composite developments.
Over its three days more than 45,000 visitors are expected to fill halls 5 and 6 of the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre which will feature more than 1,400 exhibitors from 112 countries. It is expected there will be approximately 600 new product launches and over 150 presentations in the conference programme during the event.
Undoubtedly one of the biggest benefits that composite materials bring to engineering applications is their weight saving and strength characteristics, so not surprisingly one of the biggest impacts they have made is in the field of transportation.
Aerospace is one sector where these strength to weight ratios advantages have been exploited to their fullest. For example, when the Airbus A300 first took to the air in 1972 it consisted of less than 5% composite materials by 2015 and the introduction of the A350 XWB, composite content in that aircraft had grown to 53%. Similarly, when the Boeing 777 was introduced into commercial service in 1995 it was made up of 12% composites, when the 787 Dreamliner first flew 16 years later the composite content had risen to 50%. In fact, across the board whether it be military aircraft, helicopters, business jets, private aircraft and even engines, composites are now an integral part of the constituents that make up most aircraft.
The JEC World event has long recognised the importance of the aerospace sector and has traditionally had a dedicated Planet or exhibition zone displaying some of the most advanced composite materials and applications being used in aerospace. As well as this, many of the JEC World conference programme events feature aerospace topics.
Developing sustainability
“As in 2019, we will organise the JEC Composites Aerospace Industry Programme on Tuesday March 3rd,” begins show director, Adeline Larroque. “This will include a 1h 30min conference event taking place during the show, including keynote speeches, presentations from OEM and Tier 1 companies, roundtables and Q&A sessions with decision makers and leaders of the industry. This will be staged under the slogan ‘Towards a More Sustainable Strategy’, which means the focus will be on weight saving and reduced maintenance developments; using renewable and recyclable materials for composites manufacturing; reducing waste and repurposing aerospace-grade CFRP towards other applications.
“On top of this roundtable attendees will be invited to participate in a guided tour of the show so they can visit the Aero & Space Innovation Planet in the halls and some selected innovative exhibitors within this sector. There will also be dedicated technical conferences where experts will present the latest research and trends in aerospace composites.”
As this is the 50th year of the show, there will be a zone focusing on the history of composites in manufacturing over the last 50 years across all industry sectors. There will also be an introduction of seven hubs on the show floor highlighting the latest composite materials processes and developments.
These include: an Automation Hub, highlighting the fibre placement systems and other automated process developments; an Industry 4.0 Hub focusing on the development of new interconnected production systems; a dedicated 3D Printing Hub, focusing on additive manufacturing processes; a Bio-Based Hub, featuring natural fibres used in composites along with renewable materials and greener resins; an SME Hub, dedicated to small businesses, consultants, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to share ideas, resources and meet like-minded people; an Education Hub, aimed at younger people considering a career in the composites sector; and lastly a Startup Hub, which will feature finalists in the show’s Startup Booster competition as well as a networking space to share new ideas.
Without doubt, since its move to the larger Villepinte Exhibition Centre JEC World has grown in size and strength.
“This international event has become even more successful now that we’re located just 15 minutes away from the Charles de Gaulle Airport. This has helped us to meet our growth targets with attendance up from not only our sector, but other sectors also.
“The composites industry is dynamic, with average annual growth of 5-10%. Our show reflects this trend, with 10% new companies joining our show. In terms of marketing objectives, we have implemented a strategy to develop our audience within application sectors in Europe, Asia and North America.”
Composite expansion
What does Larroque believe are the latest trends that are driving the uptake of composite materials - not just in the traditional sectors such as aerospace, marine and automotive - but also in new areas like construction, rail, medical and consumer products.
“Global challenges, such as reducing CO₂ emissions, urbanisation and air pollution are driving the development of smart and sustainable mobility solutions. In the future this will lead to the development of autonomous systems, electric and hydrogen vehicles as well as connected and shared solutions, particularly in emerging economies in Asia.
“Car manufacturers have no choice but to lighten their vehicles to meet the new CO₂ emission regulations: either in the US with Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulation, or in Europe to reach the target of 95grams of CO₂ per kilometre. Composite materials are an essential part of the answer to these challenges.”
Another speaker of interest to aviation enthusiasts at the show will be the French ‘Flying Man’ Franky Zapata, inventor of the Flyboard and CEO of the Zapata Company, who successfully crossed the English Channel on his airborne surfing device last year. He will explain how innovative materials and engineering concepts can improve personal air mobility accessibility.
Global applications
Of course, encapsulating the whole scope of composite applications and processes means JEC World offers visitors the chance to see composite materials and processes used in virtually any conceivable engineering application.
“JEC World is the undisputed global reference and the industry’s biggest and most significant annual event, hosting all the major players in a spirit of innovation, business and networking,” Larroque concludes. “Our satisfaction results in 2019 proved that our audience says JEC World is their preferred show worldwide, and that 80% of our exhibitors wait for the opening of the show to launch their innovative products and solutions.
“In order to maximise their return on investment, JEC World offers visitors and exhibitors access to effective marketing and relationship-building opportunities. More than 6,000 business meetings will take place over the three days of the show, tailored to the specific needs and priorities of these leaders while giving them the opportunity to strengthen their positions, get involved in new programmes, and meet new partners.
“JEC World’s main objective is to promote the composites sector’s biggest innovative projects. More than 600 product launches are expected to be announced over the three days of the show, which will also feature awards ceremonies, startups and PhD competitions.”
