Coexpair Will Deliver an Advanced Pneumatic Hot Press to Safran’s Lab in France

Why It Matters

The press gives Safran a versatile tool to accelerate engine‑component development, potentially shortening time‑to‑market for next‑generation aircraft. Its energy‑efficient operation supports aerospace manufacturers’ sustainability targets.

Key Takeaways

• Coexpair delivers pneumatic hot press to Safran’s French lab
• Supports RTM, SQRTM, compression molding, thermoplastic forming
• Features high‑speed actuation and coordinated injection software
• Oil‑free, low‑energy, minimal‑maintenance design
• Enhances Safran’s engine composite development capabilities

Pulse Analysis

The aerospace sector is increasingly turning to advanced composites to cut weight, improve fuel efficiency, and meet stricter emissions standards. Coexpair, a Belgian leader in resin transfer molding (RTM) and its variant SQRTM, has partnered with U.S. firm Radius Engineering to broaden its equipment portfolio. By delivering a pneumatic hot press to Safran’s Villaroche lab, the companies reinforce Europe’s push for high‑performance, low‑cost composite tooling that can keep pace with rapid aircraft engine innovation.

The new press combines high‑speed actuation with sophisticated coordination software that synchronises seamlessly with Coexpair’s injection systems. This integration enables precise control over temperature, pressure, and cooling cycles across multiple manufacturing routes—RTM, SQRTM, compression molding, thermoplastic consolidation, and hot forming. Its oil‑free operation and low‑energy consumption address growing sustainability mandates while reducing operating costs and maintenance downtime. Controlled cooling further improves part dimensional stability, a critical factor for high‑stress engine components.

For Safran, the press expands the capability envelope of its composite development laboratory, allowing engineers to prototype and qualify both thermoset and thermoplastic engine parts under a single, versatile platform. This accelerates the transition from laboratory trials to production, shortening time‑to‑market for next‑generation propulsion systems. Industry observers see the move as a signal that major OEMs are betting on flexible, energy‑efficient tooling to stay competitive in a market where carbon‑neutral aviation is becoming a strategic imperative.