Polymec is currently developing new products using natural fibers such as flax and slate fiber, in line with its R&D policy and its commitment to the environment.
In Europe, transport accounts for nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. One of the key strategies to combat this environmental impact is to reduce vehicle weight, which not only lowers fuel consumption but also improves performance, decreases the load on suspension and braking systems, and supports the development of electric vehicles, where range remains a major challenge.
POLYMEC is participating in the RECOTRANS project, whose goal is to develop technologies and design solutions that reduce vehicle weight without increasing costs. To achieve this, the project is developing multi-material thermoplastic components that both reduce part weight and allow for more complex designs. It also incorporates microwave curing in the manufacturing process to shorten production times and lower energy consumption, as well as metal–polymer hybrid welding to reduce raw material use and improve process standardization and automation. All of this is supported by an intelligent production line monitoring system.
The outcome of this innovative system will be the development of three demonstrators in the automotive, truck, and railway sectors: a car door, a truck cab rear suspension, and an interior panel for a train carriage. Early results from the project show that, after producing the first prototypes, there has been a significant reduction in both costs and energy consumption compared to conventional composites, as well as a viable path toward recycling and reprocessing recycled thermoplastic composites.
The RECOTRANS project, which began in October 2017 and will conclude in October 2021, is funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program, and involves 13 partners from seven different countries. The developments achieved through this project will also be applicable to other industries.
The latest tests carried out within the GREENMUR project – Transition to a Greener Regional Industry through Circular Economy Processes in the Fiberglass, Marble, and Plaster Sector via Additive Manufacturing have led to the development of a 3D printing material made from marble waste and fiberglass combined with white cement.
We are currently determining the recommended proportions of the three types of waste materials — marble sludge, gypsum powder, and fiberglass (both powdered and fibrous) — to achieve optimal results for 3D extrusion printing, as the mixtures behave as self-compacting concretes. In addition, we will establish the fundamental criteria for non-structural applications (fillings, urban furniture, pavements, sculptures, blocks, etc.) and structural applications in building and civil engineering (use in columns, walls, and floor slabs).
The project is coordinated by the companies Polymec, GLS 2014, and Yesos Rubio, in collaboration with the Technological Centre for Marble, Stone and Materials, and has received financial support from the Development Institute of the Region of Murcia (INFO) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Caring for what we have and giving it a new life — that’s the mantra behind the GREENMUR project, which has shaped its waste management solutions for the construction sector around the principles of the circular economy, the model that will make this industry truly sustainable.
Through its waste management innovations, GREENMUR aims to accelerate the adoption of a circular economy model that prioritizes the responsible use of resources and their reuse — extending their lifespan in a context where reduction, reuse, and recycling are essential to prevent the collapse of current production systems and to transform them instead.
The project’s sustainable solutions are based on Additive Manufacturing of construction elements using micro-concretes made from a mixture of limestone, gypsum, and fiberglass waste.
GREENMUR offers an effective approach capable of turning waste into raw materials. The project, coordinated by Polymec, GLS 2014, and Yesos Rubio, in collaboration with the Technological Centre for Marble, Stone and Materials, has received financial support from the Development Institute of the Region of Murcia (INFO) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Graphene has moved from being a laboratory promise to becoming a tangible tool for solving real-world challenges in technology, medicine, energy, and manufacturing. If you work in industries where innovation and performance matter, understanding what graphene is, what it’s used for, and how it can be applied can help you make a qualitative leap in your projects.
This article offers a clear, professional, and practical guide to graphene — its properties, current applications, and how it can benefit your field of work.
Graphene is a material made up of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, similar to a honeycomb. It’s so thin that it’s considered two-dimensional, yet so strong that it can be harder than steel.
Although it was first isolated in 2004, graphene quickly became a cornerstone for advanced technologies. From flexible electronics to new medical treatments, graphene is reshaping entire industries.
If you need materials that combine high mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical performance with low weight and thickness, this material deserves your attention.
The right question isn’t just what graphene is for, but what problems it can help you solve. Here are a few areas where graphene truly makes a difference:
If you work in any of these fields, graphene has likely already entered your technical conversations.
The reason so many companies and research centers are investing in graphene lies in its extraordinary properties. This isn’t scientific hype — these traits directly enhance product and process performance:
These features make graphene a perfect choice for anyone looking to reduce weight, boost efficiency, or add smart functionality to their products.
Although research continues, there are already many commercial and pre-commercial applications for graphene:
The use of graphene in medicine is advancing rapidly. If you’re in the biomedical, research, or healthcare sector, these applications will sound promising:
Thanks to its biocompatibility and precision, graphene is becoming a key player in personalized medicine and medical technology innovation.
Many companies still assume graphene is expensive or inaccessible — but that’s outdated. Its cost has dropped significantly in recent years, and reliable suppliers of functionalized or additive graphene are now available.
At Polymec, for instance, graphene-reinforced composite profiles are already being produced, combining the advantages of fiberglass-reinforced polymers (FRP) with enhanced thermal, electrical, and structural performance, without changing existing production methods.
Graphene is ready to be integrated into production lines, product design, and applied research today.
Understanding what graphene is, what it’s used for, and how to leverage its properties can help you innovate without reinventing the wheel. From industrial applications to medical breakthroughs, graphene is here to stay.
If you’re looking for advanced technical solutions, consider graphene your next ally — and count on Polymec to help you integrate it into your products efficiently.
Carbon fiber has earned a prominent place in the world of composite materials. Its unique combination of lightness and strength has revolutionized sectors as diverse as construction, transportation, music, and sports. In this article, you’ll discover what makes carbon fiber’s structure so special, what types of profiles exist, and how companies like Polymec are leading this transformation.
Carbon fiber is composed of extremely fine filaments made of carbon atoms. These fibers are grouped and combined with resins to form composite materials with remarkable mechanical properties. What makes it so appealing is its ability to withstand heavy loads without adding unnecessary weight to structures.
These properties make carbon fiber ideal for creating strong, durable, and lightweight parts that outperform metallic alternatives.
A carbon fiber profile is a structural piece made using a process called pultrusion. In this process, fibers are impregnated with resin and shaped into rods, tubes, flat bars, or special profiles to create rigid, lightweight components with high mechanical strength.
At Polymec, these profiles are produced in accordance with European quality standards (UNE-EN 13706) and can be custom-designed to meet each client’s needs — from industrial structures to specialized technical components.
Polymec’s range of carbon fiber profiles includes:
Each profile is designed to offer maximum structural efficiency with minimal weight. They can also be produced in small or large batches, depending on demand.
The internal structure of carbon fiber determines its performance. The fibers are aligned longitudinally to maximize tensile, bending, and compression strength, making them ideal for load-bearing structures that require both lightness and strength.
At Polymec, all structural profiles are manufactured to meet E23 class of the EN 13706 European standard, which guarantees the highest levels of quality, rigidity, and surface finish.
The versatility of carbon fiber allows its use across multiple sectors. Some key examples include:
Used to reinforce existing structures or create new ones that better withstand time and harsh environmental conditions.
Its lightness helps improve the performance of boats and vehicles, reducing energy consumption and increasing speed.
In industrial contexts, carbon fiber pultrusion enables the production of lightweight yet extremely strong profiles for high-performance structural applications — in architecture, transport, machinery, and more.
From golf clubs to bicycles and ski poles, many high-performance products benefit from the unique properties of carbon fiber.
Polymec is a company with extensive experience in the composites sector. Based in Murcia, Spain, and with a clear international focus, it specializes in the manufacture of pultruded profiles reinforced with fiberglass or carbon fiber.
Polymec also provides innovative solutions, such as graphene-enhanced profiles, which further improve material performance.
Carbon fiber isn’t just the material of the future — it’s the material of today. If you’re looking for efficiency, strength, and lightness in your projects, carbon fiber profiles are the ideal solution. And if you want a flexible, quality-driven, internationally minded supplier, Polymec is your best choice.
Want to learn more? Visit our website or email us at info@polymec.com — we’ll be happy to help.
IT HAS BEEN A BENEFICIARY OF THE AID PROGRAM OF THE INSTITUTE FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE REGION OF MURCIA
TO SUPPORT PRODUCTIVE AND TECHNOLOGICAL INVESTMENTS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES WITH CORPORATE FORM,
CO-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND.
FILE: 2024.07. IPRO.000099
Description of the project or action:
Three new 10- and 15-ton pultrusion machines are purchased and installed in order to produce larger pultrusion composite profiles and also to increase the number of profiles manufactured at one time, thereby increasing production capacity while reducing energy consumption. These three new pultrusion lines, with their automation, allow for better quality control of the products being manufactured.
An automated fiberglass fabric cutting machine is also purchased and installed, which speeds up production and reduces manufacturing times.
