New Victrex and Tri-Mack joint venture will accelerate polyketone composite components in aerospace

The multi-million dollar investment includes the establishment of a new US-based manufacturing facility. The new company will be a total solutions provider for polyketone composites, from concept development through commercialisation.

“This is a hugely exciting opportunity to accelerate innovative and differentiated solutions for our customers in the aerospace industry,” explained David Hummel, chief executive of Victrex. “Victrex has an unrivalled history of making markets where polyketones have a strong advantage and this investment will enable growth opportunities for both our customers and for Victrex. Our Aerospace Loaded Brackets programme is a great example of how we can offer new forms and components, alongside supplying materials, and build a new supply chain to address the unmet needs of the Aerospace industry.”

By combining the company’s expertise in materials, engineering, development and manufacturing, TxV Aero Composites will be able to address customer challenges with dedicated speed and focus. The intent is to offer a range of PAEK composites, from custom laminates to pre-formed composite inserts for hybrid moulding processes, as well as finished composite parts and complete over-moulded hybrid composite components and assemblies.

These products can deliver weight savings of up to 60% over conventional metallic solutions, and offer continuous manufacturing processes and cycle times measured in minutes versus hours for thermoset alternatives. One example is Victrex AE 250 Composites, a new lower temperature processing PAEK-based composite product family that enables a unique hybrid moulding process. This innovation combines the strength of continuously-reinforced thermoplastic composites with the design flexibility and proven performance of Victrex PEEK injection moulding polymers.

www.txvaero.com

www.victrex.com