Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS
Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS

Technologies for modern lightweight construction

Laser Structuring +++ Thermal Spraying +++ Metal Polymer Joining +++ Reactive Joining +++ Laser Cutting +++ Surface Texturing

Technologies for modern lightweight construction

Lightweight structures, consisting of fiber composite materials and tailor-designed part geometries can excellently meet the demanding requirements to cost and energy-saving products. To reduce the costs for these structures, the scientists of the Fraunhofer IWS Dresden focus their work to optimize this manufacturing process chain.

 

Highspeed joining of metal & polymer (HPCi®)

  • Reliable joining by short-term heating
  • Spot-like joints within 1–3 seconds
  • Easy-to-integrate in standard assembly lines
 

Remote laser cutting (Remocut®FRP)

  • Cutting process with high productivity and flexibility
  • Wear-free due to non-contact tool: Light
  • Minimization of the heat-affected zone
 

Reactive joining of plastic & hybrid joints

  • Joining within milliseconds
  • Low stress joints with minimal thermal stress
  • Multimaterial joints between plastics, metals and ceramics possible
 

Functionalization of FRP by thermal spraying

  • Protective and functional layers of metal, polymer or ceramic on fiber composite components
  • Multilayer systems e. g. for electrical heating systems on CFRP components
  • Substrate preparation for series production
 

Laser structuring of fibre-reinforced plastics

  • Increased bonding strength by selective matrix removement
  • Contact-free joining surface pretreatment without chemicals or additives
  • Highest process flexibility
 

Tailored laser surface texturing

  • Application e. g. self-cleaning, anti-icing
  • High processing speed without chemicals or additives
  • Suitable for 3D geometries