Element is doubling the size of its its Aerospace and Defence laboratory in Toulouse, France to meet increased demand from OEMs and suppliers in the sector.
Materials and product qualification testing, inspection, and certification services (TIC) Element is one of the largest testing services supplier to the aerospace sector. Toulouse is home to Airbus and is one of the largest hubs for aerospace development and manufacturing in Europe
The investment will enable Element in Toulouse to deliver the latest mechanical characterization testing and more than double the size of the laboratory, which is based in the Colomiers district of Toulouse.
Mechanical characterization is the process of determining and analyzing the mechanical properties of materials, such as strength, stiffness, toughness, and fatigue behavior, through various experimental techniques and testing methods.
The new equipment and expanded facilities are scheduled to become operational by mid-November 2024.
This expansion is part of Element’s plans to meet heightened demand from aerospace OEMs and manufacturers operating. According to a recent report from Technavio, the global aerospace parts manufacturing market is set to grow at a rate of 4.19% between 2024 to 2028.
The existing facility will gain a 1000m² extension, while a new 2500m² building will house the mechanical characterization testing facilities. These will include seven new machining and dissection units, 30 additional testing machines, and 80 new creep machines.
The investment in Toulouse is part of a larger €30 million initiative that includes similar mechanical characterization upgrade projects at Element’s laboratories in Lancaster, UK and Pilsen, Czech Republic.
Capabilities will span advanced testing services like high and low cycle fatigue at elevated temperatures, fracture mechanics, static testing, and metallography inspection.
Julien Porco, general manager of Element Toulouse said, “The doubling in size of our site is a testament to our dedication to mechanical characterization. The facilities we are investing in will increase our capacity and enable us to offer a broader range of testing services, helping customers accelerate product development and qualification.”
Lee Brough, vice president of aerospace and defence, Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Element said, “As the aerospace, transportation, and energy sectors experience significant growth across Europe, Element stands ready to meet the challenge. Our expanded facilities and commitment to innovation will allow us to continue setting the standard for materials testing excellence, delivering unmatched quality and service to our customers.”
The Toulouse site’s portfolio of certifications includes COFRAC ISO 17025, Nadcap for metallic tests, and approvals from leading aerospace OEMs.
