Jun 10, 2019
herone GmbH nominated for futureSAX 2019
herone GmbH, a spin-off of the Institute for Lightweight Construction and Plastics Technology (TU Dresden), is pursuing the goal of developing and establishing large-scale production of ultra-light carbon profiles for the urban mobility of the future. In several R&D projects, the experienced development team of herone GmbH developed a manufacturing technology for the series production of tailor-made, integral composite components for aerospace applications, for example. The herone technology combines the high productivity of textile processes with the short cycle times of thermoplastic processing, thus enabling automated and efficient production of individual thermoplastic hollow sections for series applications. The spin-off has been nominated for the futureSAX Innovation Award 2019.
1. Dr. Garthaus, how did the idea of founding a start-up come about?
As a spin-off of the Technical University of Dresden, we started developing new technologies for the production of fiber composite components more than eight years ago together with industrial partners. Since we have always worked very closely with industry, the idea of founding a spin-off has also been with us for several years. The decision to found our own company was made about three years ago out of the conviction that we are one step ahead of the market and that our technology can offer our customers added value that they cannot currently find on the market.
2. How did the idea for your technology come about?
The initial idea for our current herone technology goes back to an aviation research project for the production of individually shaped aviation hydraulic lines from 2009. The project resulted in the formation of a five-member working group that further developed the idea into a platform technology. In 2018, we then spun off from the TUD as part of an EXIST research transfer with herone GmbH.
3. Can you briefly describe to non-scientists what the technology is based on and how it works?
The herone technology is based on the use of thermoplastic fibre-reinforced tapes. We use textile technology to automatically shape a large number of these tapes into the shape of the final component (so-called preform). Under pressure and high temperature, the preform is then pressed into the component. The special feature of the material is that it is weldable and formable. These properties enable us to integrate additional functions into the component. The herone technology thus uses the advantages of thermoplastic processing properties to enable scalable series production of thermoplastic fiber composite profiles, expand their functionality and thus generate individual customer benefits. The herone technology is thus predestined to meet the requirements of series production of fiber composite components for future aircraft generations with high unit numbers.
4. The areas of application are broad, from aerospace to medical technology there are many possibilities. Are you currently focusing on a specific area or do you have specific enquiries from a specific sector?
The technology is the result of an aerospace project and has been further developed over many years with partners from the aerospace industry. With the combination of increasing unit numbers and high required lightweight construction, the aviation sector is a very attractive target market for us and is clearly focused. In addition, the technology offers interesting cross-sector material properties such as biocompatibility, media resistance or recyclability, which make a large number of exciting future applications possible. In addition to aerospace, we also see further sales markets in the medical, sports and leisure industries, oil & gas and the automotive industry.
5. What is the advantage of your products? How do they differ from similar technologies?
The production of composite components to date is usually associated with a high manual workload and is therefore only suitable to a limited extent for applications with large quantities. Our technological approach enables highest, tailor-made performance for serial components, in short: - tailored for performance, made in series. We thus combine individuality with high production cycle times for our customers.
6. What are your company goals for the next two years?
The medium-term corporate goal of herone GmbH is the development from a development service provider to a manufacturing company for functionalized fiber composite profile structures. In the next three years we want to scale the herone technology in a first pilot line and start production for the first series production in aviation quality.
7. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges for a spin-off? What would you have liked to know beforehand?
In my opinion, the first question can be answered very individually. For us it is the transition from a development service provider to a manufacturing and certified company. The financing required to set up the pilot line in particular is a challenge if you want to retain your independence.
8. What role do patents play in your business model?
Patents naturally play a significant role in our business model. For us, it is not so much to protect the technology as to protect the specific construction methods and components on which we are working. In general, patents often provide a competitive advantage.
9. What advantages does the TU Dresden offer you as a business location?
The cornerstone of our spin-off is our many years of previous experience from a large number of research and development projects at the Institute for Lightweight Construction and Plastics Technology. With its outstanding unique infrastructure, the institute offers an ideal environment for generating, testing and implementing innovative ideas. Without the active support from the university, the path we are currently following would not be possible. We are therefore grateful for the good cooperation and plan to continue working closely with the university in the future. In the event of a win at futureSAX, the barbecue on the Elbe will be on us.
Information for journalists:
herone GmbH Dr. Christian Garthaus E-Mail: christian.garthaus@herone.de https://herone.de/