In a recent interview with Actualidad Aeroespacial, Ernesto González, CEO of Fidamc, shared his vision on the advances and challenges in the field of composite materials in the aerospace industry, as well as the role that Fidamc plays in this field. During the conversation, Gonzalez highlighted how the lightweighting of structures has been one of the biggest achievements in recent years. “This weight reduction not only helps to improve the energy efficiency of aircraft, but also reduces their environmental footprint, a goal we consider fundamental for the future of the industry.”
Gonzalez explained that Fidamc is a leader in the manufacture of composite materials and the generation of integrated, lightweight structures, with a focus on sustainability and automation. “The integration of materials enables cost reductions and facilitates automation, which greatly benefits aircraft and drone manufacturers. Through a collaborative approach, Fidamc has built an open ecosystem, where we work with strategic partners such as MTorres to develop cutting-edge technologies. In addition, Fidamc is committed to human talent, a key factor in achieving technological excellence.”
Another of the topics highlighted in the interview was the relevance of international collaboration in Fidamc's technological evolution. González mentioned European projects under Horizon Europe, such as HERWINGT and HERFUSE, where Fidamc collaborates with technology centers in Germany, France and the United Kingdom, and also with companies outside Europe, in regions such as the United States and the Middle East. “This international collaboration is essential to boost the exchange of talent and develop innovative ideas that can be applied in an industry that is increasingly looking for global synergies,” he commented.
In terms of specific projects, Fidamc has worked on the Airbus A350 since its inception. Fidamc's participation in this emblematic project has been crucial to validate its capacity in the production of certifiable prototypes and test parts, an achievement that marks a difference with other technology centers. González also spoke about its role in the Clean Aviation program, where projects such as HERWINGT explore the use of thermoplastic materials, a promising technology for the future of sustainable mobility.
On the future of the sector, González highlighted sustainability as one of the main challenges for the coming years. “Fidamc is working on creating lighter structures to reduce the environmental footprint of aviation and is exploring synthetic fuel and hydrogen technologies.” He also mentioned the recycling of composite materials as a crucial area, “as Fidamc works on maximizing the reuse of materials and optimizing the design of parts to extend their life cycle.”
A key aspect of Fidamc's strategy is education and the development of specialized talent. González highlighted the success of Fidamc's Master's Degree in Composite Materials, carried out in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Madrid, which has achieved a 100% job placement rate. “This program, which is regularly updated to reflect advances in the sector, ensures that students are prepared to meet the technological challenges of the coming years. Fidamc also encourages research in emerging areas such as thermoplastics and smart structures that integrate data to improve the monitoring of parts during their service life,” he noted.
Finally, González shared Fidamc's expansion plans into new sectors and complementary technologies. An important milestone in this line is the management of the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Cadiz, which will boost areas such as 3D printing, robotics and virtual reality, extending Fidamc's reach beyond the aerospace sector, towards the naval and energy industries.
If you want to read the full interview and learn more details about Fidamc's projects and Ernesto Gonzalez's vision, click here (Pag. 26)