SHERLOC QSP aims at designing and manufacturing a batch of composite panels which incorporates thermoplastic composite window frames (for regional airplane) made following an innovative manufacturing process, called QSP. QSP allows for a lighter mass, cheaper costs and shorter part manufacturing cycle times than the existing processes.

The project will contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts:

• Weight saving of parts manufactured by the use of net shape and multi-thickness preforms, with the right material at the right place, will contribute to CO2 emissions reductions 
• There will be a significant reduction of waste material by exploiting the composite at the maximum of its possibilities

It will help the industry to be more efficient and effective: the above points automatically result in cheaper cost of parts (less expensive material used by a better exploitation of materials, less composite waste implies therefore a better valorization of costly noble materials).

QSP, developed for high production rate of automotive parts (one composite part/minute), will contribute effectively to reaching the necessary productivity ramp up in the near future needed for planes and aircraft components.

The very short deadline imposed by the call (18 months) has guided the decision to build a small consortium with only two partners, Cetim (a French technological research center involved in composites since the 80’s) and Compose Tooling (one of the major French tool makers). These two partners are used to working together and are very agile in solving problems in a short time. Together, they have the complete skillset to answer all the technical needs expressed in the call (design, manufacturing of parts and assemblies, material testing, NDT control, cost assessment, repairing).

Cetim and Compose were involved in the implementation of QSP for automotive parts and have a clear strategy with other industrial partners to transfer this technology to the aeronautic sector.