Developments in Tooling for Composites

24th March 2026, GKN Global Technology Centre, Bristol

Tooling sits at the heart of successful composite manufacturing. From concept through to production, the right tooling strategy underpins process selection, part quality, accuracy, and repeatability. As materials, processes, and production rates evolve, so too must the tools that enable them.

Developments in Tooling for Composites brings together industry experts to explore the latest advances in composite tooling methods and technologies. Highlighting the critical relationship between tooling, process choice, and consistent part manufacture, this event will showcase new and innovative approaches backed by real-world case studies.

Attendees will gain practical insight into emerging tooling solutions, novel materials and manufacturing techniques, and how these developments can reduce cost, improve performance, and support scalable production across a range of composite applications.

Programme

Registration will open at 9am for a 9.30am start, finishing at around 4.30pm with an optional tour of the GKN GTC (no longer than an hour).

Chaired by Craig Carr, GKN Aerospace

Confirmed Speakers So Far:

Airbus Perspective: Opportunities and Challenges Around Tooling – Turlough McMahon, Airbus
Tooling Strategies for Scalable Composite Manufacturing – Enabling Closed-Mould Aerospace Production – Bernhard Rittenschober, ALPEX Technologies GmbH
AI Powered Tooling Technology Collaborations for more efficient Development and Production – Jamie Snudden, Plyable
Large Format Additive Tooling Opportunities – Graeme Bond, FDM Digital Solutions
Large-format 3D Printing: A Smarter Alternative for Tooling – Darren Lambert, Base Materials
The Composite Tool String: Accelerating Design to Production in Composites – Rob and Dale Beardmore, Harcourt
Electrically Heated Mould Technology for Advanced Out-of-Autoclave Processing – David Bailes, DFS Composites
Electroforming for High-Temperature and Multi-Material Tooling – Steve Newbury, Ultima Forma
Diamond Tooling for Circular Composite Maintenance – John Emptage, DK Holdings
Tooling for Tolerance – Alan McMillan, LMAT
Sustainability and Life Cycle Considerations in Composite Tooling – Barrie Colvin, Ru-bix Advanced Materials
Title TBC – Matt Hardman, Loop Technology
Title TBC – Joe Summers, Cygnet Texkimp

Session Announcement

We are pleased to include in the event programme, a session to introduce the ATI-Composites WG Tooling Challenge and open an expression of interest.

Registration

Registration is now open via Eventbrite, here.

Composites UK Members: £175 + VAT (You can check to see if your company is a current member, here)
Non-members: £350 + VAT (Discount code available to IOM3 members, saving £88 off this rate. Contact us for the code)
Students: £75 + VAT (Please register using your university email address so we can validate your registration)