High-performance polymer manufacturer Victrex (Thornton Cleveleys / UK; www.victrex.com) has formed a joint venture with its long-standing US-based engineering partner Tri-Mack Plastics Manufacturing (Bristol, Rhode Island; www.trimack.com). The new company, TxV Aero Composites (www.txvaero.com), has been set up to accelerate the commercial adoption of polyketone (PAEK) composite applications in the aerospace industry.

Back in 2014, Victrex and Tri-Mack developed and produced a PAEK-based aerospace bracket – see Plasteurope.com of 27.10.2014. TxV Aero Composites will invest “multi-millions” of dollars in a new manufacturing facility and centre of excellence in the US, which is due to be completed in 2017. The exact location was not disclosed.

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. Victrex said these products can deliver weight savings of up to 60% compared with their conventional metal counterparts, such as stainless steel and titanium, while also offering equivalent or better mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness and fatigue. In addition, the continuous manufacturing processes and cycle times are much more efficient – measured in minutes versus hours for thermoset alternatives.

Commenting on the joint venture, Will Kain, Tri-Mack’s president, said: “With an estimated 35,000 new aircraft to be launched in the next 20 years, the aerospace industry is embracing thermoplastic composites as a cost-effective solution to support this growth.”

Victrex will be taking part in the JEC World International Composites (www.jeccomposites.com) trade fair, being held on 14-16 March, in Paris / France, where a TxV Aero Composites sample will be on display.