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.

 

HPCi®

  • Highspeed joining of metal & polymer
  • Processing tools for thermal direct joining
  • Simulation and optimization
 

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 and structuring
  • 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

Lightweight Construction Networks

 

Find out more about expertise relevant to lightweight construction in Germany as well as worldwide in the following networks: 

Presentation: The interface makes the difference! – Laser-based Surface Pretreatment

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© Composites United e.V.

Laser-based surface pretreatment opens up new possibilities for multi-material design and the integration of additional functions into lightweight structures. Since complex components are often assembled from different materials or coated with functional layers, the quality of the interface is critical to stability and reliability. Modern laser processes enable the targeted modification of these interfaces, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the components. The webinar demonstrates the potential of laser technology for various materials and applications – such as plastic injection molding onto thermoset FRP and glass, or the direct bonding of FRP and metal without additional bonding agents.

News and Media

 

Press Release / 28.5.2024

Laser Technology for a Lighter Future Flying

CO2 Laser System Technology by Fraunhofer IWS Enables Efficient Joining of Large Volume Fiber Composite Aircraft Structures

 

Press Release / 3.4.2023

Lasers Join Lightweight Sandwich Structures

Manufacture of Lightweight Metal Panels Using a Roll-to-roll Process

 

News / 3.6.2021

Light Vehicle Superstructures Thanks to Optimized Joints

 

News / 20.1.2022

Functionalization of Fiber-reinforced Plastic Composites by Means of Thermal Spraying

Manuel Reif Wins Award for his Research on Fiber-reinforced Plastic Composites

 

Press Release / 26.10.2020

Light E-waste Runabouts for Cities

How Optimally Joined Aluminum and Fiber Composite Plastics Contribute to Climate Protection

 

Press Release / 27.5.2020

Clean Without Scrubbing and Using Chemicals

Dresden Scientists Develop Self-cleaning Aluminum Surface

 

Press Release / 2.3.2020

A Fast, Ecofriendly Way of De-icing Aircrafts

Surfaces functionalized with lasers

 

Press Release / 24.1.2019

Joining Gun Bonds Metal and Plastic Within Seconds