The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has introduced the UK’s first open-access hybrid fibre-reinforced thermoplastic tape development line. This new facility aims to speed up advancements in sustainable composite technologies.

The research platform will include a dual-mode thermoplastic processing line. This setup has been specially made by Cygnet Texkimp, a company known for its fibre handling and converting equipment. It will support both direct melt and slurry-based processing methods, making it suitable for various polymers and uses.

This new line will also feature Cygnet Texkimp’s Flatline creel and fibre spreading systems. These tools help process a wide range of fibres and support the creation of new types of composite tapes. These tapes can then be used to make composite parts for different industries.

Dr. Gary Foster, senior technical fellow at the AMRC, explained that this open-access facility will give material and tape producers, along with manufacturers, the chance to create new tapes tailored to their specific needs. He added that with the AMRC’s deep knowledge of advanced manufacturing, this setup will support detailed research in sustainable composites and help better understand important processing factors.

The new hybrid line will be placed in the AMRC’s Factory of the Future building. Here, both businesses and researchers will get the chance to work together on developing new ways to make thermoplastic tapes, using small-scale industrial methods and receiving support from the AMRC team.