AUTO-RTM

The goal of the project is the development of processes and technologies for the manufacture of high-quality CFRP structures in quantities of up to 20,000 parts per year. An automated process chain is presented based on the established RTM process. Production costs and cost-per-part are to be considerably reduced by further development of the RTM technology combined with a high output rate. New and modified materials are to be applied in addition to the development of adapted methods for the creation of textile preforms.

An additional focal point is the realization of a highly automated production chain for which an analysis of the material logistics and planning of the facility will follow. This includes the conception of material-specific handling techniques as well as the modeling and simulation of the RTM component series production processes. The process parameters and tools of such a manufacturing chain leading up to a factory concept are to be worked out.

Quality assurance processes are integrated into the rapid manufacturing cycles. For example, contactless measurements of the wall thicknesses of preforms are carried out as well as the recording and testing of the surface condition, orientation and geometry of textile structures by means of image analysis.

Following the planning, the necessary facilities and manufacturing equipment are defined and acquired. The process chain is set up at the Technology Center Stade and serves for the manufacture of test components, to examine the process chain and to represent the automated process.

Project partners:

• University of Bremen - Bremen Institute of Industrial Technology and Applied Work Science
• Faserinstitut Bremen e.V.