SPE ACCE 2023 presents fourth keynote

The executive planning committee for the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Composites Conference & Expo (ACCE) has announced the event’s fourth keynote presentation. SPE ACCE will be taking place Sept. 6-8, 2023, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mich., U.S. 

Dr. Ryan Hahnlen, principal engineer and lead of strategic research operations at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America LLC (HDMA, Marysville, Ohio, U.S.) and Dr. Srikanth Pilla, director of the Center for Composite Materials at the University of Delaware (UD-CCM, Newark), will jointly present “Journey to An Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic (CFRTP) Composite 100% Recyclable Door Assembly.” 

In a project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with collaborative teams from Clemson University (S.C.) and UD and project partners from HDMA, Envalior (formerly Lanxess, material partner) and Proper Group International (tooling partner), a cost-effective, 45% lighter (compared to steel) door assembly was developed for improved fuel efficiency, reduced vehicle emissions and optimum sustainability. The keynote will highlight the innovative design, advanced materials, simplified manufacturing and assembly, thermoformability with existing infrastructure, improved safety aided by advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and eco-friendly manufacturing.  

“The use of CFRTP composites in this application is a breakthrough in materials science, providing superior strength and stiffness, kilogram-for-kilogram, as compared to steel,” Dr. Hahnlen says.

According to Dr. Pilla, who led the project, the CFRTP door design reduces the number of structural components required for assembly by 52%, making it easier and more cost-effective to produce. “This innovative CFRTP door application is a prototype developed for the Honda Acura MDX 2016 model,” Dr. Pilla adds. “The successful application of CFRTP in the door’s design sets a precedent for further use in the industry.” 

Other keynotes planned for the ACCE 2023 event include:

• “An Overview of Transportation Trends and Related Opportunities,” by Gregory E. Peterson, chief engineer at Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX);
• “A Role for Composites In GM’s Vision for Simulation-Driven & Sustainable Material Impact,” by Jason Coryell, P.E., FASM – engineering group manager of advanced materials technology at General Motors Co.; and
• “What Does Disruptive Electrification of Transport Mean For Industrialization of Composites?” by Joe Summers, commercial director of Airborne and managing director of Airborne UK.

Learn more about SPE ACCE 2023 here.