A multidisciplinary group of Saxion students was given the task last semester to investigate market-driven opportunities for the application of thermoplastic technologies developed by TPAC. TPAC has been working for over 10 years on developing cost-efficient production technologies for thermoplastic composite products. We are noticing that more and more companies are eager to transition to thermoplastic composite materials [...]

In the Twente region, an ecosystem focused on medical 3D printing has developed over the past few years. Researchers from Saxion University of Applied Sciences collaborate with the Medisch Spectrum Twente, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Roessingh Rehabilitation Center, OCON, and various (commercial) partners. Within this ecosystem, 3D printing is used to create preoperative models, cutting guides, and simple medical devices, [...]

In April the kick-off took place of the Lighthouse 1 project as part of the Interreg “Manufacturing Next Materials”. Here, TPAC and CATO are working together on the production of thermoplastic composite applications. This collaboration is set up to specifically help SMEs with the conversion and professionalization of the manufacturability of these applications. This not only offers benefits [...]

The project is investigating the possibility of using lignin and cellulose for 3D printing. With only these two materials it turned out not to be possible to print properly. Therefore, the bio-based polymer PLA (from corn starch) was used as a binder. The PLA is essential to get enough material into the flow for controlled extrusion. First [...]

In 2024 a number of students have started their internship or graduation assignment at TPAC. Currently we have interns varying from Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineer to Industrial Design, either from Saxion, ROC Twente or the University of Twente. From left to right: Stijn Baars, Manu Warnet, Tim van Berloo, Mika van der Schaaf and Daan van der Zalm. [...]

Over the past period, we have been working hard on expanding our laboratory, resulting in a significant increase in lab facilities and the installation of multiple industry-sized machines. This development allows TPAC to better serve its role as an R&D partner for businesses and its role in education! Additionally, TPAC is celebrating its 10th (!!) anniversary this year. [...]

In recent weeks, the expansion of TPAC's laboratory has been in full swing. We've relocated machinery from our original laboratory to create space for new, industry-sized equipment that is already eagerly waiting to be employed! The lab's floor has been reinforced to accommodate a delivery: of a KUKA robotic arm with an impressive 4.8m range. Paired with [...]

This project contributes to the objectives of the European Green Deal. The plastics recycling industry still has a long way to go to become fully circular. Many companies share problems in different variations. Used foils and thin-walled plastics (Post-use Plastic Foil or PPF) are a substantial obstacle to the circular economy, as they represent a large share of [...]

Our new laboratory space (290 square meter) is almost finished. This will allow TPAC to move its labscale- and test-equipment to the new lab space, reserving the current lab space for industrial equipment, allowing for trials closer to industrial reality. The new laboratory space will be operational in September. Furthermore,  a Kuka robot with a CEAD extruder [...]

Auteur: Jos Eertink            Photography: Thomas Busschers            Date: 4 July 2022            Source: Saxion News At Saxion’s Lightweight Structures research group (better known as TPAC- ThermoPlastic composites Application Center), flax fibres form the basis for sustainable sheet material, and composite tapes made of recycled plastic [...]

Today first year's Mechanical Engineering students from Hogeschool Saxion came to visit TPAC for a short introduction of the research group and a tour of the lab facilities. In the following weeks they will be involved in (injection moulding) practical training.

On BNR Eyeopeners, Ferrie van Hattum talks about composites and how they are more and more used in different industries. To listen to the complete podcast, click here.

In the past months, TPAC has worked closely together with CIM Fieldlab, Brink Climate Systems and Hogeschool Saxion students looking into the possibilities of recycling Brink's air filters as part of creating a circular business model. The project offered the students a challenging real-life industrial problem to be solved in intense collaboration, under the supervision of Harrie van Bommel, Marco Del Vecchio and [...]

On 16 May 2022 TPAC received the formal approval for the RAAKPRO project “New Generation Stiffened Thermoplastic Composite Products” from RegieOrgaan SIA. The project has a lead time of 4 years and will start per 1 July 2022. On the 30th of June a pre-kick-off meeting was organized at TPAC together with the consortium partners. It started with [...]