The last GIFAS “Thermoplastics” annual general meeting was held this year at the IRT Saint Exupéry on June 6, 2019. Once again this major event for the French signatories allowed them to exchange views about current events in this sector and the various research projects carried out within the IRTs.

The first day started with two introduction speeches from Ariel SIRAT (IRT saint Exéupéry’s CEO) and Stéphane MAHDI (Materials Domain’s Director), followed by Pierre-Henri CADAUX (Airbus) who presented the sector current situation and its projects setting up methodology.A large part of the morning was then devoted to the presentation of IRT projects related to thermoplastic composites. These presentations were complemented by testimonies from industrial members.
The project proposals currently being prepared were also presented, raising interest from participants during the session. Note for the IRT Saint Exupéry, the presentation of the work on the optimization and functionalization of thermoplastic sheets and the development of the induction welding process without susceptor. As well as other themes under development, such as the optimization of the calculation of virtual material allowables and surface treatments applied to thermoplastic composites.

The afternoon was devoted to a visit to the technological platforms of the IRT Saint Exupéry, such as the impregnation line and the welding platform. The day ended with two keynotes on collaboration through a centre of excellence and the vision of the aerostructure of the future.