Composites
Successful SMCCreate 2023 Design Conference in Prague
During the SMCCreate 2023 conference topics covered the wide spectrum of the design with fiber composite/composite components in SMC and BMC technology, from conceptual design, development, and scale-up, with a special emphasis on recycling and sustainability solutions. 18 speakers from various European countries showed how they address important market trends and changing customer needs, and which solutions their companies offered in terms of materials, performance and much more.
As an introduction, speakers - including CTC/Airbus and Teijin - presented different possible applications for SMC and BMC components, including aircraft interiors, bicycle boxes, and applications in e-mobility. The topic of sustainability was broadly covered, highlighting recycling solutions and experiences (Siemens, IDI, OC, AOC), the use of renewable raw materials, as well new LCA models developed by the SMC BMC Alliance (LCS),
Specifically for designers, the use of the SMC flow and curing modelling was presented (ESI, OC), SMC positioning vs. aluminium (Spartners). The second day concluded with contributions on process optimization options for component production, including speeches by Dieffenbacher, Netzsch and EBG.
“We are very happy that SMCCreate has now established itself with the second edition in Prague after the inaugural event in Antwerp last year. The feedback from participants was consistently positive, both in terms of the content presented and the exchange between each other,” said Dr. Elmar Witten, Managing Director of AVK.
"It was very encouraging to see the great presentations, as well as the active interaction between speakers and audience about all aspects of SMC and BCM part design” Thomas Wegman from the SMC-BMC Alliance adds. “We will now consider when and where the next SMCCreate will take place. The event is clearly important to show existing and potential new users the great opportunities and benefits of SMC/BMC technology.“