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ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ rounds up coverage of the MFFD project over the past decade. Now complete, the MFFD illustrates numerous processes and technologies for manufacturing primary aerospace structures using thermoplastic composites. 

Commemorating the theme “Performance With Purpose,” CW has gathered key stories over the last year that exemplify how composites have progressed aviation, AAM and defense.

Herone, Spiral RTC, Teijin Carbon Europe and Collins Aerospace Almere recycle A350 thermoplastic composite clips/cleats waste into rods for the all-thermoplastic composite Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s crown.

Fraunhofer IFAM and partners have completed left and right welds connecting the upper and lower fuselage halves and sent the 8×4-meter full-scale section to ZAL for integration with a cabin crown module and testing.

Thermoplastic composite upper and lower half shells for the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator were welded using CO² laser over a total length of 8 meters.

Demonstrator’s upper, lower shells and assembly prove materials and new processes for lighter, cheaper and more sustainable high-rate future aircraft.

This year’s international air show offered a glimpse of the rapidly expanding future for composites in aerospace.

German and Canadian research centers will implement joint projects in advanced technologies to foster innovation, promote international exchange of expertise and support talent mobility.

Clean Sky project has delivered the 8 × 4 meter welded aerostructure component, aided by advanced thermoplastic composite technologies and smart robotics.

Eight-meter-long CFRTP fuselage skin was achieved via laser-heated in-situ consolidation, with stringers, frames and cleats to be welded.