The RECOTRANS Project involves 13 partners from seven countries and has received funding from the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Aimplas, the Plastic Technology Centre, is co-ordinating the project which aims to develop efficient and sustainable manufacturing methods, enabling the large-series manufacturing of composite materials for application vehicles, trains and trucks.

RECOTRANS focuses on lightweight, high-quality hybrid structures made of thermoplastic composite and metal with lower manufacturing costs.

Two technologies are to be developed: a microwave-based pultrusion and resin transfer moulding (RTM) processes for long-fibre thermoplastic composites; and laser bonding to allow the addition of metal inserts in composite parts.

Using these technologies, demonstrators will be manufactured. These will be the cabin pillar for a Mercedes Benz truck, the roof cover of a train manufactured by Stadler, and the skin of a car door manufactured by Gestamp.

During the first stage of the project, work will focus on the definition of the materials’ requirements and on the manufacturing system for the three demonstrators, as well as on the selection and adaptation of materials.