CHOMARAT Group finalizes acquisition of CTMI, a company specializing in High-Performance Textiles and Composite Materials FINALiZES

CHOMARAT strengthens its position in high-performance composite materials by finalizing the acquisition of CTMI. This merger allows the French family-owned group to expand its technological offerings and consolidate its role as a leading player in key markets such as aerospace, defense, and space.

Expanded and Technology Leading Offerings

With a global presence in the composite materials reinforcement market for several decades, CHOMARAT, a French family-owned group, confirms its commitment to a long-term growth and development strategy with this acquisition.

This acquisition allows CHOMARAT to complement its offerings and expertise in the field of composite material reinforcements, both in terms of fibers and technologies.

“The acquisition of CTMI allows us to accelerate our development and enrich our product range thanks to the company’s strong technological expertise, particularly in specialty fibers such as quartz and ceramics, but also in complementary technologies like pre-impregnation and Towpreg for niche applications,” explains Florent Troubat, President of the CHOMARAT Group.

Thanks to this transaction, CHOMARAT becomes the only 100% French and independent player capable of offering a complete and sovereign range of technical textiles and high-performance composite materials for strategic markets such as aerospace, defense, and space.

Strong Complementary Expertise and Shared Values

This acquisition is based on a shared heritage. Both companies, which have their roots in silk manufacturing, have developed similar values: close collaboration and partnership, innovation, and responsible commitments.

Their merger aims to enrich their collective expertise and capitalize on their respective know-how.

“CTMI will be able to rely on a solid group with strong values ​​to pursue its development and implement its strategic roadmap. I am delighted with this agreement and look forward to collaborating with the teams at Groupe Chomarat,” stated Loïc Alirand, President of GSL, CTMI’s parent company.

source : Chomarat

 

Link Composites has officially inaugurated the Link Institute of Composites Technology in Gujarat

 Link Composites has officially inaugurated the Link Institute of Composites Technology in Halol, Gujarat, marking a meaningful milestone for India’s growing composites #ecosystem. The inauguration brought together industry leaders, veterans, and practitioners, reflecting the collective strength and shared vision of the Indian composites industry.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries, with the flag hoisting led by Dr Kameshvar Rao, Asst. Director – Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association (ATIRA)) and Shri Dineshbhai, Head – ITI Godhra, followed by the ribbon-cutting by Sambhaji Nikam, JSW Energy Ltd. Esteemed leaders from organisations such as Gurit, FRP Institute, and RBCs Team were present, and guests were taken through LICT’s state-of-the-art factory site and administrative facility.

Backed by Link Composites’ two decades of hashtag

#industry experience, LICT is founded on the belief that sustainable progress begins with strong fundamentals. Addressing long-standing gaps such as incorrect assumptions, untrained handling, and ignored basics, LICT is inspired by the philosophy of “Shunya” (Zero)—bringing clarity, discipline, and structured learning to professionals across all levels, from technicians to CTOs.

With a legacy of serving thousands of customers, Link Composites brings deep technical expertise to LICT through a comprehensive portfolio of composite materials and solutions, as well as representation of global brands such as Gurit, Axel, Lantor, Scott Bader, Seartex, and Owens Corning. Through structured hands-on training, process labs, and industry-led collaboration, LICT invites the composites community to grow together—because the future of composites will be built through shared knowledge and capability.

source: Machine Maker

#LinkComposites #LICT #CompositesIndustry

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : The Importance of Draft Angle in Die Casting

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

The Importance of Draft Angle in Die Casting – Guidelines and Failure Examples

Draft angle is one of the simplest yet most important elements in die casting design. It ensures that the part can be ejected smoothly from the mold without damage, sticking, or deformation . Even a perfect casting can fail if the draft angle is neglected during design.

What Is Draft Angle?

A **draft angle** is a slight taper applied to vertical surfaces so the casting can be removed from the die without dragging or locking.

Without sufficient draft:

* Parts scratch during ejection

* Surface finish deteriorates

* Dimensional accuracy changes

* Mold life is reduced

* Cycle time increases

📐 Recommended Draft Angle Guidelines

✔ For Zinc Die Casting

* Typical draft: **0.5° – 1°**

* Polished surfaces can go down to **0.25°**

* Textured surfaces should have **1° – 3°** depending on texture depth

✔ For Aluminum / Magnesium

Due to higher shrinkage and less fluidity:

* Typical draft: **1° – 2° minimum**

* Textured: **up to 4° or more**

✔ Internal Features

Core pins or deep internal cavities require:

* **More draft** because metal contracts inward

* Sometimes **progressive draft** that increases with depth

⚙ Real Failure Examples

❌ Failure Case 1 – No Draft, Surface Dragging

A telecom connector housing had:

* 0° draft on side walls

* Polished cavity

* Multi-cavity tooling

As casting cooled, it clamped tightly to the cavity walls. The result:

* Scratches on internal surfaces

* Mold showed early wear

* Ejection force increased

* Rejection rate rose over 12%

After adding **1° draft**, parts released cleanly and damage disappeared.

❌ Failure Case 2 – Deep Boss with Insufficient Draft

A deep mounting boss with only **0.3° draft** caused:

* Core pin friction

* Part deformation around pin exit

* Visible “drag lines”

Solution:

* Increased draft to **1.5°**

* Added surface polishing in the boss

* Result: **100% production stability**

🏭 Example from GuangWei Communication Technology

For die cast housings used in AI and telecom equipment:

* All vertical faces follow **DFM draft rules before tooling**

* CAE simulation predicts cooling and shrink behavior

* Mold lines are validated for opening and extraction angle

* Multi-cavity layouts ensure consistent release

A small design update provides:

✔ Lower tool wear

✔ Shorter cycle time (faster ejection)

✔ Better surface quality

✔ Longer mold life

In many cases, adding draft is the simplest and most cost-effective improvement in die casting design.

source : GuangWei Communication Technology.

#DieCasting #DraftAngle

Bell Curve Performance : How Organizations Assess Talent

 📊 Bell Curve Performance: How Organizations Assess Talent

Many organizations use the Bell Curve to evaluate employee performance by grouping outcomes into defined categories. While simple, it strongly influences rewards, development, and decisions.

🔴 Serious Underperformance (≈10–15%)

Consistently below standards. Requires immediate coaching, reskilling, or corrective action.

🟡 Below Expectations (≈15%)

Performance gaps exist. Clear feedback and targeted improvement plans are essential.

🟢 Meets Expectations (≈50%)

The backbone of the organization. Reliable, consistent contributors who deliver as expected.

🔵 Above Expectations (≈15%)

High performers who go beyond goals. Often future leaders and key problem-solvers.

⭐ Excellent Performance (≈10%)

Top talent. Exceptional impact, innovation, and leadership. Must be retained and rewarded.

📌 Key Takeaway:

The Bell Curve is not just about ratings—it’s about developing people, aligning expectations, and driving organizational performance.

💡 The real question is not where people fall today, but how leaders help them move upward.

source : Six Sigma Manufacturing

#quality #qualityassurance #qualitycontrol