Paris, France - April 2, 2009 - ESI Group (ESINFR0004110310), a pioneer and world-leading supplier of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes, and the Pôle de Plasturgie de l'Est (PPE), an applied research technology center specialized in composite materials, have signed an agreement to develop an offer covering the entire lifecycle of composite parts and structures manufactured through injection and infusion processes. The goal of this partnership is to provide a complete offering in response to new industry challenges for composite parts and structures development. This joint development aims at offering design and simulation tools to several industries, such as aeronautics, aerospace, transportation, shipbuilding, and wind energy.
The offering includes several of ESI Group's composite simulation solutions and the PPE's RTM PROCESS 2 software suite. RTM PROCESS 2, consisting of a permeability database and tools for pre-sizing and for technical and financial studies, will reinforce ESI Group's composite simulation platform. This platform consists of solutions for mechanical analysis (SYSPLY) and virtual prototyping (PAM-CRASH, PAM-SHOCK), PAM-QUIKFORM software, PAM-FORM for pre-forming, and PAM-RTM software for RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) injection and infusion.
Engineering services offered by ESI Group and the PPE include software training and research to assist customers in the development of RTM injection and infusion processes. Thanks to this partnership, customers can now benefit from a more comprehensive services offering that includes crash simulation, composite parts impact, sizing simulation, as well as mold design and process development. These are a fundamental part of the PPE's offering, which has a recognized expertise validated by more than 500 technology transfers around the world.
''The joint approach being established responds to a market need. This ESI Group/PPE platform will either work independently or be integrated into a PLM design platform. For the first time in the composites arena, the conceptual approach will be carried from the beginning to the end, from the part's design with all the technical-economical constraints to the end of its life,'' said Jean-Pierre Cauchois, Technical Director at the PPE. He added: ''This is a world premiere in the revolutionary adoption of composite materials to lighten structures.''
''When dealing with composite materials, the characteristics and performance of the part are closely related to the material properties. The ESI Composite platform is based on this core characteristic: the material properties are tracked and transported through each step of the lifecycle: design, manufacturing, and ultimately usage, possibly involving an accident scenario. The result is a series of realistic simulations that allow you to rely even more on simulation when making decisions,'' said Patrick de Luca, Composite Solution Manager at ESI Group. ''The PPE's expertise, allied to ESI Group's knowledge of materials, will allow users to benefit from an End-to-End composite solution based on 30 years of experience.''
ESI Group and the PPE have already started to work on a new memorandum of understanding to integrate this new offer with a PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) simulation platform for injection and infusion technologies. This platform will bring significant productivity increase and opportunities for greater design optimization.
About ESI Group
ESI Group is a world-leading supplier and pioneer of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes that take into account the physics of materials. ESI Group has developed an extensive suite of coherent, industry-oriented applications to realistically simulate a product's behavior during testing, to fine-tune manufacturing processes in accordance with desired product performance, and to evaluate the environment's impact on product performance. ESI Group's products represent a unique collaborative and open environment for Simulation-Based Design, enabling virtual prototypes to be improved in a continuous and collaborative manner while eliminating the need for physical prototypes during product development. The company employs over 700 high-level specialists worldwide covering more than 30 countries. ESI Group is listed in compartment C of NYSE Euronext Paris. For further information, visit www.esi-group.com.
About PPE
The PPE is an applied research technology center specializing in long fiber composites materials, as well as thermoplastic and thermosetting fabrics. The PPE is based in Saint-Avold Moselle, France, and implements closed-mold long-fiber composites— a technology designed for large, heavy duty, and health-related materials. This technique is known as RTM/infusion, for which PPE has developed permeability and heat flow concepts. Their work, with the support of the Regional Council of Lorraine, the DRIRE, and the Lorraine Mining Basin Industrialization Fund, was performed using RTM Process 2, a software package released in 2008 for pre-sizing composites parts.
The PPE is involved in both the aviation and space industries, ground transportation, water sports, weapons, and nuclear power. To date, the PPE has carried out more than 500 technology transfers, including processes and training in France and abroad (Germany, Turkey, Indonesia, and Brazil). For more information, please visit www.ppe.asso.fr.
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