EC3D is a company specializing in the development of high-performance core materials for the composite materials industry. Our expertise allows us to intervene in all stages of a project: from project definition in the R&D phase, through the design and production of prototypes, to their mechanical characterization.
The core materials commonly used in industry have not seen major geometric evolution in recent decades. Therefore, we focused on this aspect by proposing innovative cell topologies. This has allowed us to achieve very significant gains in mechanical performance and weight reduction, which we have highlighted in our publications.
The high-performance composite materials industry is more expensive than that of so-called "conventional" materials such as polymers, metals, and wood. The development phase generally requires more time due to the anisotropic properties of the custom-made material. Combined with lower production volumes, this makes these materials less accessible for everyday use. However, the expertise acquired over the years tends to reduce these costs. This is why we encounter them more frequently, particularly in the field of sporting goods, where they are now predominant.
We hope that the work and products delivered to date have fully satisfied our partners. Given that we work with high-tech industries with low production volumes, we intend to maintain our current focus on producing custom prototypes. However, we are exploring avenues for larger-scale production in light of recent progress with our partners.
The development of thermo-structural composites capable of withstanding extreme environments has been underway for decades. These composites allow the structures they are made of to maintain their integrity at very high temperatures, where metallic materials would have disintegrated. More recently, the emergence of ceramic fibers and matrices has further expanded the range of applications. We have begun collaborative work with laboratories and intend to continue this highly rewarding path of innovation.
Of course, we invite you to consult the various presentations and publications available on our website. A recent example concerns the improvement of the delamination resistance of preforms based on ceramic fibers and matrices, thanks to a three-dimensional weave that we developed. These results can be found in the thesis of Mr. Arnaud Saintonge, "Development of an oxide/oxide composite with a barium aluminosilicate matrix and alumina fibers.".
As a driver of innovation, we are open to integrating new technologies into our work methods that could increase our efficiency. However, we strive to maintain a critical perspective, which is made possible by the expertise we have acquired over the years.
If the client hasn't fully defined the specifications, we work with them to develop them collaboratively to clearly define their needs. We rely on applicable standards (such as ISO, ASTM, etc.), particularly for mechanical characterization. For projects in areas new to us, we conduct a thorough review of the existing literature to fully understand the requirements and address them effectively.
Innovation in core materials is not limited to optimizing geometry; today we are also seeking to functionalize them, meaning they are no longer simply structural "fillers." It is possible to make them multifunctional, for example: thermal/electrical conductors or insulators, capable of integrating equipment/sensors, or even self-healing in the event of micro-cracks.
In a sandwich-type assembly, the core material is located in the center of the structure, which is why it is also called the "core." This core is generally bonded to outer layers that provide rigidity to the structure. Thus, the main purpose of the core material is to reduce the structure's weight, as it can be composed of a highly aerated cellular structure such as honeycomb or foam.
Our structures are fully customizable since this is the very essence of our work; we develop each structure in response to a specific need using the many tools at our disposal.
The use of high-performance core materials is primarily intended for cutting-edge industries. Aerospace and the military sectors, for example, utilize these structures to significantly reduce weight compared to monolithic structures. However, we also work in broader industrial sectors such as urban development, as is the case with our partner Nidaplast.