CompEfficient 

KIEM project • HighTech Materials • Applied R&D 

CompEfficient explored how thermoplastic composite press forming can be made more energy-efficient and more predictable by improving the heating step. The project developed an improved infrared heating concept and a measurement approach to quantify and reduce energy use while improving process control.

Project at a glance 

• Topic: energy-efficient heating for thermoplastic composite press forming 
• Approach: baseline evaluation, improved IR-heating concept, validation through simulation and experiments 
• Outputs: validated concept, design guidelines, and a demonstrator pathway with monitoring and data logging 

Key themes: 

• Heat-on-demand 
• IR heating 
• Zoned control 
• Process monitoring 
• Thermoplastic composites 

Key results 

• ≥25% targeted energy reduction in the heating step 
• Up to ~60% reported energy reduction under specific materials and test conditions using reflective panels 
• Shorter cycles through improved heating response and more uniform temperature fields 

Main outcomes: 

• An improved IR heating concept using reflective panels, better insulation, and zoned heating/control
• Better thermal performance, including improved uniformity and reduced heat losses 
• A measurement-ready set-up with monitoring and data logging to support data-driven optimization 

Consortium 

• Hogeschool Inholland 
  Lead partner, applied research, design, testing, student projects 
• Cato Composites 
  Industry partner, press forming expertise, requirements, validation input 
• Eve Reverse 
  Industry partner, sustainable composites, LCA perspective, application direction 
• Future partners 
  Expanded collaboration enabled by the upgraded set-up, including automated thermoplastic solutions 

Impact & follow-up 

• More industry-relevant R&D platform: the upgraded heating concept strengthens press-forming research capability 
• Infrastructure upgrade: follow-up investment in a larger press improves representativeness for industrial research 
• Continuation: collaboration continues through internships, projects, and expanded industry partnerships 

Contact 

Want to collaborate or learn more about the set-up? Get in touch. 

Project contact 
Name: Edwin Kanters 

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