 The sharp flying debris from the many spectacular incidents in Formula One racing is a result of the lightweight carbon fibre composites used extensively in racing cars. Taking cue from racing cars, many automakers are increasingly employing composites on their production models. They see numerous advantages by doing so. Defined as engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, which remain separate and distinct on a macroscopic level within the finished structure, composites have several advantages over metals and other materials. This is also increasing their importance. Besides automobiles, the transportation industry – land, sea and air – is making increased used on composites due to the many advantages of this material.
Scheduled between 12th October and 14th October 2010 at Singapore’s Suntec Exhibition Centre, JEC Show Asia 2010, the 3rd edition of this successful annual exhibition and conference series, focuses on development of composites by fostering knowledge transfer and exchanges between suppliers and users. The event is organised by JEC Composites, the Paris-based organisation dedicated to promoting composites internationally. The organisation, connecting with more than 250,000 professionals worldwide from 96 different countries, also holds an annual global event, JEC Show Paris, besides several other events across the world. The annual Paris show attracts over 1000 exhibitors. Besides events, JEC also operates a magazine and a weekly e-newsletter with composite industry news.
At a media round table meet in Mumbai recently, Ms Frédérique Mutel, President and CEO, JEC Composites, shared the highlights of JEC Show Asia 2010. She spoke at length on the present trends in the Asian composites market, with specific reference to developments in India. She drew attention to the fact that the global composites market by volume is 8 million tonnes valued at Euro 60 bn. The Asian market is pegged at 3.3 million tonnes valued at Euro 18 billion. While USA accounts for 35% of the global market share, it is 22% in Europe and 43% in Asia. The cost of production is cheapest in Asia at Euro 5.5 per kg, costliest in Europe at Euro 8.4 and in USA Euro 8.2 per kg. The Asian market, driven by high economic growth rates, is growing at an average 8% since 2002. As for per capita consumption, USA leads with 10 kg, followed by Europe at 5 kg and Asia including India is a low 1-2 kg, which indicates the strong potential for growth.
JEC Show Asia 2010 will be supported by leading exhibiting companies from every segment that makes up the value chain of the composites industry: raw material producers (glass, basalt and carbon fibres, thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, natural fibres), semi-product and part processors (compounds, prepregs, core materials, fabrics, hand processes, SMC, GMT, BMC, injection, RTM, RIM, pultrusion, lamination, centrifugation, filament winding, etc.), equipment and software manufacturers, distributors, research centres and institutes. The user industries span construction, infrastructure, aerospace, automotive, marine, and renewable energy with a specific focus on wind energy. According to Mutel the show is committed to being the key industry platform for showcasing developments and technical content tailored for the Asian market.
India – the Country of Honour
Over the past 12 years, JEC has developed a strong relationship with the association and industry professionals in India. This year, India has been chosen to be the Country of Honour for the JEC Show Asia 2010 to highlight the burgeoning developments in the Indian composites industry. In addition to the Indian pavilion featuring the country’s exhibitors, a sizable India delegation will also be actively involved in a range of other programmes through the three-day event, including participation in the opening ceremony and representation in the concurrent conferences and end user forums. Indian companies are also expected to feature prominently in competition for this year’s JEC Asia Innovation Awards program, while top decision makers from India will take part in the pre-arranged business meetings prior to the show.
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