Please note that archived articles and press releases can be accessed via the links at the foot of this page.

Notes to Editors

20th March 2010

Advanced Composites Group (ACG) MTM®46 Prepregs Keep Watchkeeper 450 UAV Flying High

ACG, a member of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, has been qualified by global defence electronics company Elbit Systems to supply materials for the construction of the Thales Watchkeeper 450 (WK450) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV).

Thales UK selected WK450 as the aerial platform central to their Watchkeeper surveillance system procured by the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD). The use of ACG’s materials on the WK450, a development of the well established Elbit’s Hermes 450 - constructed from ACG’s LTM®26EL prepregs, strengthens the ties that exist between ACG and Elbit Systems.

The WK450 UAVs build is carried out by Lola Composites Ltd, Huntingdon – UK and integrated at U-Tacs in Leicester.

Selected from a number of contenders, ACG’s MTM46 epoxy prepreg system, one of a series of Out of Autoclave (OoA) processing aerospace systems, meets the requirements of the UK MoD and offers the manufactures, Thales, Elbit and U-TacS, a number of process advantages. Developed by the Group’s global research facility in Heanor – UK for use in the primary and secondary structures of FAR23 approved aircraft and UAVs, MTM46 can develop an initial glass transition temperature (Tg) of 180°C and offers excellent retention of mechanical properties under ‘hot/wet’ conditions. However, of great significance was the fact that MTM46 was developed for Out-of-Autoclave (OoA) processing. Following a low temperature/low pressure initial cure at 80°C, which can make use of low cost tooling, performance is further developed using a free-standing post cure to achieve the required material performance. Combined with excellent handling characteristics and extended out life of 60 days, MTM46 has proved to be an effective solution to the WK450’s structural requirements.

The Thales Watchkeeper programme provides the UK Armed Forces with an unrivalled Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability. With the ability to stay airborne for extended periods, WK450 UAVs provide persistent surveillance with an advanced surveillance sensor suite and the Watchkeeper surveillance system provides 24/7 all-weather, day and night exploitation in times of war, tension or during peacekeeping operations without the need to deploy troops into sensitive or dangerous situations. Requiring a crew of just two to operate the system, with no pilot required, one operator controls the mission whilst the other tracks the information being fed from the WK450’s sensors. The system is capable of rapid deployment and operation anywhere in the world.

Images courtesy of Thales - UK

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Bernard Twist – Export Sales Manager - e-mail: btwist @ acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

18th March 2010

Advanced Composites Group (ACG) Sponsors Paralympian Sean Rose

ACG is proud to cosponsor 38 year old skier Sean Rose in his bid to win a gold medal in the Paralympics Alpine Skiing event at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, which is taking place right now (6th and 21st March).

To help him achieve his Olympic dream, British number one, double World Cup medallist in 2009 and World and European champion, Sean Rose will receive assistance from ACG UK in the form of high performance prepreg materials and Moldex Composites Pvt Ltd which will provide design and manufacturing expertise at their state of the art composites facility in Surat, Gujarat in India.

Moldex Composites, a British-Indian enterprise, will use ACG’s Variable Temperature Moulding prepreg materials to manufacture equipment for Sean. VTM®260 Series prepregs have seen considerable success across a range of applications, particularly in the sports and leisure sector. These toughened resin systems offer excellent handling and processing characteristics and are available on a wide range of reinforcements in both standard prepreg (woven and unidirectional) and ZPREG® selective impregnation formats.

In February 2000 Sean had an alpine skiing accident which left him with a broken back and paralysed from the chest down. After a series of operations to stabilise his back, Sean returned to one of the sports he loved and, taking like a duck to water, he soon made the British Disabled Water Ski Team. Surprised by the level of competition, training paid off and he took the Overall Disabled World Championship title in 2005, the European Overall title in 2006 and, as part of the winning British Team, the World Champions 2005 and 2007, but that’s not the full story.

With a constant desire to return to alpine skiing, Sean moved to Kimberley, BC, Canada, and rekindled his dream when he was offered a place in the Disabled Race Training Programme. After working the slopes 5 days a week to perfect his techniques, he eventually joined the British Disabled Ski Team in 2003 and spent the early season training in Europe and followed the Europa Cup circuit.

To date, Sean has collected over 20 international medals, taking two World Cup Medals in January 2009 at Sestriere. His ultimate dream though is a medal at the Winter Paralympics in March 2010. ACG hopes that the combination of its advanced composite materials and Moldex Composites’ expertise will help Sean realise that dream.

Image: Copyright Sean Rose

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Steve Cope – Business Development Manager - e-mail: scope @ acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

15th March 2010

Advanced Composites Group Demonstrates the Application of its Technologically Advanced Prepregs at JEC 2010

ACG will be co-exhibiting with Umeco’s structural and process materials companies, J.D. Lincoln, GRPMS, and Richmond Aerovac, on Stand No. T50 in Hall 1 at JEC 2010 between the 13th and 15th April. ACG will exhibit: Norton Motorcycle’s Limited Edition Commando 961SE motorbike and Zockra’s Rapide recumbent bicycle.

The Limited Edition Norton Commando 961SE motorbike, one of only two hundred to be made at the Donington Park Race Circuit near Derby – UK, signifies the return to British soil of Norton, a quintessentially classic British motorcycle brand name. The 961SE uses ACG’s lightweight carbon fibre prepreg materials for structural and cosmetic parts supplied by motorcycle parts designer and manufacturer, and respected ACG client, Blackstone Tek (BST) in South Africa. BST, already ACG material savvy, selected the Group’s medium temperature moulding prepreg materials, specifically MTM®58B and MTM®57, for the structurally critical, autoclave processed wheels. A number of cosmetic parts, particularly the front and rear huggers, chain guard and number plate holder, have been press moulded using ACG’s MTM57.

The Rapide, a recumbent bicycle intended for racing, long distance rides and ultra cycling, has been supplied by French bicycle manufacturer Zockra. The monocoque frame, front fork, semi-integrated headset/seat, handlebars, and some optional parts, are hand made using ACG’s variable temperature moulding Out-of-Autoclave (OoA), vacuum only processing VTM®264 carbon prepreg and Zockra’s low cost tooling. Zockra’s aim of minimal weight has been achieved for all components; the frame alone is exceptionally light and a complete bike can weigh less than 7.5 kg. Zockra selected ACG’s prepregs because of their incredible weight/stiffness ratio and the neutralizing effect that these characteristics have on the bending and torsion issues encountered in recumbent bike frames.

Images: Zockra bicycle ©Stéphane Regnard and Norton Commando 961SE motorbike ©Norton Motorcycle (UK) Ltd.

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Jon Stowell – Sales and Marketing Director
E-mail: jstowell @ acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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19th February 2010

HTM143 Selected For New Space and Satellite Applications

Advanced Composites Group Ltd. (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, has continued the development of HTM®143, a ground breaking cyanate ester system which has been specified on a number of large satellite projects

With a comprehensive data base to support it, HTM143, a low moisture pick-up resin matrix, which has a 0.55% weight gain on neat resin, exhibits one of the lowest moisture pick-up rates of all cyanate ester systems currently on the market. Measured on typical high modulus carbon laminate, the outgassing characteristics of HTM143 effortlessly meet the limits required by NASA: Total Mass Loss (TML) of 0.112%, Recovered Mass Loss (RML) of 0.023% and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) of 0.002 % [ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C].

First launched in June 2009, HTM143, which is a non-ITAR listed resin system, can generate a very high glass transition temperature (Tg) after post-cure and is used to manufacture high accuracy, dimensionally stable space structures.

During recent tests, MTM®44-1, one of ACG’s new generation of Out-of-Autoclave (OoA) processing high performance, toughened epoxy resin matrices, also met the rigorous requirements set for space applications.

MTM44-1, which can generate a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a 180°C (356°F) after a suitable post-cure, offers a Total Mass Loss (TML) of 0.307%, Recovered Mass Loss (RML) of 0.056% and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) of 0.002 % [ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C].

Both resin systems have an out life of 21 days and are available for use with a wide range of unidirectional, biaxial and woven carbon fibre materials.

Image: Copyright iStockphotos.com.

For further information, please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Xavier Gambert - Aerospace Market Sector Manager E-mail: xgambert @ acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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16th February 2010

ACG’s Prepregs Investigated as a Storage Battery for Future Cars

Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, is engaged in a €3.4 million project with scientists to develop a new composite material which could revolutionise car design and manufacturing.

Announced at the beginning of February 2010 by the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, the project is aimed at developing cars which will be powered by their own bodywork. Researchers from Imperial College London and their European partners, including Volvo Car Corporation and ACG, are developing a prototype material which will be lightweight and strong enough to be used for car body parts and also discharge sufficient electrical energy to power a car. With assistance from ACG, they are also planning to investigate the most effective method for manufacturing the composite material at an industrial level.

Ultimately, they expect that this material could be used in hybrid petrol/electric vehicles to make them lighter, more compact and more energy efficient, enabling drivers to travel for longer distances before needing to recharge their cars.

For the first stage of the project, the scientists are planning to further develop ACG’s composite materials so that they can store more energy. The team will improve the material’s mechanical properties by growing carbon nanotubes on the surface of the carbon fibres. This should increase the surface area of the material, and also improve its capacity to store more energy.

The project co-ordinator, Dr Emile Greenhalgh, from the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, says: “We are really excited about the potential of this new technology. We think the car of the future could be drawing power from its roof, its bonnet or even the door, thanks to our new composite material. Even the Sat Nav could be powered by its own casing. The future applications for this material don’t stop there – you might have a mobile phone that is as thin as a credit card because it no longer needs a bulky battery, or a laptop that can draw energy from its casing so it can run for a longer time without recharging. We’re at the first stage of this project and there is a long way to go, but we think our composite material shows real promise.”

The 3-year European Union funded project includes researchers from the Departments of Chemistry, Aeronautics and Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology at Imperial College London. In addition to ACG, European academic and industrial partners include Swerea SICOMP, INASCO Hella, Chalmers, Nanocyl, Volvo Car Corporation, Bundesanstalt Fur Materialforschung undprufung, ETC Battery and Fuel Cells Sweden.

For further information, please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Quentin Fontana – R&D Project Leader
E mail: qfontana @ acg.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1773 766200

About Imperial College London

Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality.

Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve health in the UK and globally, tackle climate change and develop clean and sustainable sources of energy.

Web site: www.imperial.ac.uk

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5th February 2010

ACG Launches New Bismaleimide (BMI) Tooling and Component Matrix Systems

Advanced Composites Group Ltd. (ACG), a member of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, announces the launch of two new additions to it range of Bismaleimide (BMI) matrix systems. The new matrix systems, which offer superior handling, performance and high temperature capability, are aimed at the structural tooling and component markets.

HTM® 556, developed specifically for structural applications where high service temperatures are required, offers continuous service temperatures of 200°C (392°F). HTM556 also offers improved toughness and resistance to micro-cracking which has long been a short falling of Bismalimide resins.

HTM®515-1 is a Bismalimide matrix system optimised for tooling applications. HTM515-1 offers similar improvements in handling and can tolerate thermal cycling to 250°C (480°F).

HTM515-1 also exhibits improved toughness and resistance to micro cracking leading to improved vacuum integrity and extended tool life.

For further information, please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Dr. John Nixon – Technical Marketing Manager
E-mail: jnixon @ acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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14th December 2009

ACG Speeds to Long Term Supply Agreement with US F1 Team

Advanced Composites Group Inc. (ACG), part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, is proud to announce the signing of a long term supply agreement with US F1 Team, the only US-based team to take the grid for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship.

With strong backing and a solid team to enable it to meet the challenges of building a new car in an extremely short timeline, US F1 Team is focused on challenging the world’s best drivers and teams.

Ken Anderson, US F1 Team President, CEO and Team Principal, said: "US F1 Team is pleased to announce ACG as a technical partner in the design and construction of our 2010 Formula One car. The team faces a tremendous challenge to design and produce the first American-based Formula One car in more than 40 years, and ACG's composites expertise will be critical for us to meet our goals and expectations in 2010 and beyond."

ACG’s heritage in Formula One goes back many years; the Group’s philosophy of providing outstanding product development, application-specific, customised products and technical support at all stages of development and manufacture has placed it at the forefront of the motorsport industry.

Adrian Potts, President of ACG Inc, said: “There is an exciting time of change in Formula One racing and this has created the opportunity for new teams to enter the grid. US F1 Team is the sole American entry, and we are proud to support them from our Tulsa facility. I’m confident that the new team has signed up with the very best support and service in the industry, and we will demonstrate that their confidence in us is well placed.”

Jon Mabbitt, Managing Director of Umeco Composites Structural Materials, said: “It’s reassuring to know, in these turbulent times for Formula One, that ACG remains a strong technology leader in the field and that the motorsport industry can still provide exciting, new business opportunities such as US F1 Team. We wish the team every success in their endeavor.”

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group Inc
Dr Adrian Potts – President
Tel: (+1) 918-252-3922

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19th November 2009

ACG Announces Official Supplier Agreement for the Multi One Design Program

One of the biggest and most exciting race boat building projects in history becomes a reality with the advent of the Multi One Design 70’ Trimaran, the rebirth of the popular and extreme Orma 60’ class.

ACG, part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, is pleased to announce that it has been selected as Official Prepreg Supplier to the Multi One Design 70 project. ACG will supply its VTM®260 and MTM®57 Series prepregs for the build of a series of up to twelve trimarans that have been designed by VPLP (Naval Architects Marc van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prevost), world leaders in Multihull realisation. The MOD 70 fleet will participate in a race series that will culminate in a full round-the-world challenge, and will promote a message of ‘Eco-Responsibility’.

Multi One Design SA, a new company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, will manage the project from inception to completion. With a team comprising CEO Marco Simeoni, Executive Director Franck David and experienced multihull sailor Stève Ravussin as Technical Director, the company has the collective expertise to make this dream project become reality.

The racing program for the Multi One Design fleet will operate on a three year cycle. Main events will include short-handed transatlantic races and an annual European Tour to be hosted by six to eight European cities. Each race cycle will climax with The Oceans World Tour.

A team of top European boat yards and spar makers will build up to 12 of the MOD 70’s using ACG’s customised prepreg materials.

Henry Nicholson-Cole, ACG’s Marine Market Sector manager, commented: “ACG is very pleased to have been selected as Official Prepreg Supplier to the Multi One Design 70 project and looks forward to many years collaborating with Multi One Design on this exciting project.”

Photograph © Multi One Design

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Henry Nicholson-Cole – Marine Market Sector Manager. E-mail: hnicholson-cole @ acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

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19th November 2009

‘The best-looking one-hulled Raceboat of 2009’ – Seahorse Magazine rate the Green Marine IRC60 ‘Jethou’ built exclusively with ACG Prepregs.

Prepreg materials manufactured by ACG, part of the Composites Division of Umeco plc, were used by Green Marine Products Ltd to build a new IRC60 yacht that has been hailed by Seahorse Magazine (October 2009) as the “Best-looking one-hulled raceboat of 2009 . . . perfect in every detail with gleaming clear-coat carbon everywhere you look, she is the definitive example of boatbuilding as art – in IRC at least!”

The new IRC60 yacht is the latest addition to the portfolio of Green Marine, a Lymington - UK based boat builder with a longstanding reputation for premium quality boats.

The Judel/Vrolijk designed IRC60 racing yacht is a truly stunning example of performance balanced with eye-catching beauty; it is a masterpiece of composite workmanship.

ACG were involved in the project from the onset and worked closely with Green Marine’s project managers Simon Smith and Marcus Attridge to ensure the fulfill the brief from the owner, Sir Peter Ogden, for an ultra-lightweight racing boat finished to a high quality clear carbon weave finish throughout the whole boat (inside and out).

Collaborating with the structural engineers, SDK Structures, ACG’s customised prepreg formats facilitated further optimisation of the boat’s structure, while ACG’s automotive specification ‘special visual quality’ (SVQ) grade carbon fabrics helped realise the owner’s aesthetic vision.

Green Marine’s skilled and experienced build team constructed the hull from female mould tools that were faired and refined to a flawless finish, which was then translated to the boat. The team’s skill and experience again shone through as material was carefully selected and weave patterns mirrored to create perfect visual symmetry.

ACG’s VTM®260 Series of prepregs, which was specified for the construction of the hull, deck and internal structures of Jethou, has an unparalleled track record in the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race. This prepreg system, which offers a broad range of processing options from 65 to 120°C (150 to 250°F), has become the system of choice in the marine industry. On this project, its ‘step ahead’ curing characteristics ensured that the ‘black diamond’ structure would have the stability to withstand potential surface temperatures in excess of 100°C (212°F) without risk of distortion.

The versatility of the VTM260 also allowed for a low temperature cycle during the critical stage of curing the inner skins, thereby reducing the risk of air pressurisation in the honeycomb cells, which can lead to delamination.

Jethou is campaigning on the IRC Circuit and is competing in her second regatta since her launch at the Maxi Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo in September.

Photograph © Lloyd Images

For further information please contact:

Advanced Composites Group
Henry Nicholson-Cole – Marine Market Sector Manager. E-mail: hnicholson-cole @ acg.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1773 766200

Archived Press Releases

Additional general and market specific press releases are located in their respective archive locations. Please follow one of the following links to view this material.

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