About us

As a unique research center for thermoplastic composites, we focus on enabling the use of the thermoplastic composite technology in large volume applications while also promoting the widespread adoption of these materials through fundamental knowledge development.

Meet the team

Dedicated research center for thermoplastic composites

Although specific thermoplastic composite components and substructures are already being applied commercially, there is limited understanding of complex physical mechanisms and phenomena in the use and manufacturing of thermoplastic composites. The technological challenges faced by industry can be found at various technology and manufacturing levels of readiness. In our research center, an enthusiastic and committed team of experts work together to increase knowledge of these materials, their behavior and processing technologies. Our expertise and lab are available for members and non-members. We offer training, consultancy and smaller-scale, application-oriented research projects.

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TPRC highlights

In just over 10 years, we have grown into a unique and worldwide research center for thermoplastic composites. On the occasion of our tenth anniversary, we organized the Future of Thermoplastic Composites conference in October 2019. We have now grown into an international consortium. The unique thing about it is that the entire value chain is represented. Expanding the consortium will remain important for the industrial application of thermoplastic composites.

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Our expertise explained in the TPRC Talks series

The TPRC Talks are a live, online talk show in which we invite you along into our consortium and the world of thermoplastic composites. In these four episodes, studio guests talked about our mission, the lab, and what our research is currently focusing on. Our valued partners also explained the importance of thermoplastic composites research and the benefits of working closely together with the partners within the consortium. And our researchers explained their research, such as stamp forming and welding. We are thankful for the many people who helped us realize and participated in the TPRC Talks.

View the TPRC Talks

The benefits of composites

Thermoplastic composites are advanced materials with a big future ahead in aerospace, to make products lighter, stronger, more cost-efficient and sustainable. The benefits of composites in aircraft are explained in several tutorials by Arnt Offringa, Head of Thermoplastic Composites Technology, Fokker, GKN Aerospace. Arnt is a highly valued ambassador of the TPRC.

Check out more of these webinars

Valuable networks

CompositesNL

CompositesNL represents the interests of all organizations in the Netherlands that are involved in the development, manufacture, maintenance, and reuse of products in which composite technology has played a part.
Membership of CompositesNL is valuable, as it brings thermoplastic composites to the attention of parties that could benefit from a more sustainable society. In addition, they represent the entire composites sector towards governments, so that the sector can be put more firmly on the map.

TPC NL - Smart Industry Fieldlab

TPC NL, the Smart Industry Fieldlab for ThermoPlastic Composites, aims at making thermoplastic composites work for local and (inter-)national industry and thus enhance their economic impact.
TPC NL is a joint development of the TPAC, ThermoPlastic composites Application Center, and the TPRC, ThermoPlastic composites Research Center, both based in Enschede. This offers a sound base on thermoplastic composite knowledge and expertise and a direct link with industry, both large enterprises and SMEs, and universities.

Meet the team!

With our experienced and multidisciplinary team and the experts from partners, we have the capabilities to tackle any problem you may have with regard to thermoplastic composites. Within the TPRC, renowned experts in the field of thermoplastic composites work together to increase knowledge of these materials and their behavior, product design and processing technologies.

Who are the people behind the success of the TPRC? What drives them and what do they dream about? How do they look at the future of thermoplastic composites?

Meet the #TPRCminds