Feb 22, 2019
Dresden lightweight researcher present revolutionary modular system at JEC World 2019
At this year's JEC World 2019, researchers from the Institute for Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden will be presenting a revolutionary manufacturing concept for fibre-thermoplastic composite hollow profiles. The world's leading composites trade fair will take place in Paris from 12 to 14 March 2019. The scientists, led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Maik Gude together with the project partner thoenes® Dichtungstechnik GmbH, are developing the innovative system for functional lightweight structures.
Weight savings of up to 45 percent possible
The core is a novel modular process chain for the production of functional lightweight profile structures in fibre-thermoplastic-metal composite design. These profile structures form the basis of a modular system. Thus, for the first time, the continuous production of theoretically unlimited profile lengths is possible. As a pilot application in a follow-up project with thoenes® Dichtungstechnik GmbH, up to 36 metre long arms of a fertilizer spreader in fibre-plastic composite construction (FKV) will be set up. Compared to conventional steel design, weight savings of up to 45 percent can be achieved, so that, for example, the working width can be increased without affecting weight. Further advantages of this design are the significantly energy-saving production of the system and fuel savings due to the larger effective radius in agricultural use.
Flexible design for small and medium-sized enterprises
The production process is not limited to agriculture. The modular system can also be adapted for other areas of application, for example for stage equipment, in the construction industry or in systems engineering, without any great design or manufacturing effort. The aim of the project is to provide a cost-effective, resource-efficient and flexible construction method that can be used by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Functionalised hollow profiles for serial production
In addition, herone GmbH, the latest spin-off of the ILK, will present its latest developments. The company focuses on the efficient production of functionalised fibre composite hollow profiles based on completely pre-impregnated thermoplastic tapes. These enable highest component qualities and a drastic reduction of cycle times in component production. The high-performance matrix material used, PEEK, places the highest demands on manufacturing technology, but thanks to its unique properties it offers numerous application possibilities in the aerospace, medical technology, raw materials and automotive industries.
ILK exhibits at the joint stand of the Saxony Economic Development Corporation
In addition, other unique exhibits such as 3D-printed fair furniture, an innovative A-pillar demonstrator or customisable carbon fibres will be on display at the stand of the Institute for Lightweight Construction and Plastics Technology.
With these interesting demonstrators, the ILK can be found at the joint stand in Hall 5, Stand C70, organised by the Saxony Economic Development Corporation on order of the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport. Guests of the fair are cordially invited to get a personal impression of the technical skills and competences of the institute and its researchers.
© Tanja Kirsten
Diana Wolfrum MBA
Communication
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