IPC, the Industrial Technical Centre with expertise dedicated to plastic and composite innovation, is presenting two prototypes on its stand at this year’s JEC World in Paris: an intelligent motorcycle helmet and a multifunctional wind turbine blade.
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Bertrand Fillon, General Manager of Research at IPC, said: "With these two prototypes, IPC demonstrates its ability to functionalise composites, particularly with printed electronic components. Live demos will be organised during the three days of the show on our booth."
The helmet was manufactured in partnership with the technical and creative paper manufacturer Arjowiggins, and the wind turbine blade, with the CEA. These two demonstrators will also be exhibited at the LOPEC exhibition 2019 in Munich, Germany, on 20-21 March.
The objective is to add new features to improve the user experience, without impacting security. The motorcycle helmet is equipped with sensors and NFC communication functions.
Lionel Tenchine, Program Line Manager for ‘Technologies for Intelligent Products’ at IPC, added: "Here, printed organic electronics are used in the helmet to allow remote temperature changes."
The helmet manufacturing process is based on the use of composites and the infusion process.
Developing predictive maintenance is an important issue when it comes to avoiding sudden, serious accidents. A recent McKinsey study estimates that by 2025 it will save $630bn (~€560bn) in employment absences.
The wind turbine blade presented at JEC World detects potential damage that could occur on the blade structure beforehand, making it possible to carry out preventive repairs on the metre-long blade.
Printed organic electronics are used in the demonstrator to integrate strain gauges and the temperature detection function.