The IWK is the research and development partner for companies in the fields of fiber composite technology and lightweight construction. The Institute will develop fundamental solutions for problems of practical relevance.
Are you faced with the challenge of minimizing the construction weight while maintaining a certain strength and rigidity?
We are your project partner for application-oriented research and development in the field of fiber composite technology and lightweight construction. The IWK offers you the latest know-how, specialists and state-of-the-art infrastructure to develop a solution for you.
Research focus: Process technology
Complex lightweight structures are often manufactured in the multi-material construction method, i.e. from a combination of several materials, such as high-strength steels, aluminium and fibre-reinforced composites. Consequently, attention must also be paid to a suitable connection technique between the materials.
Since the material of fibre composites is constructed from load-bearing fibres and the shaping matrix in the manufacturing process, a central research focus lies in process technology: The use of new materials and innovative processes, such as the prepreg/auoclave process, the resin transfer moulding RTM process or the organo sheet technology are in the foreground.
The core competences of iwk in the field of fiber composite technology/lightweight construction are in:
- Material development, e.g. impact strength modification
- Component design and material selection
- Dimensioning with analytical and numerical
- FEM methods
- Composite, sandwich and multi-material technology
- Process and tool technology
- Process development
- Material and component testing
- Substance data determination
- Microstructure and damage analysis
From the idea to the finished product
The IWK pursues a holistic process approach in research and development in the field of fiber composite technology/lightweight construction. We deal with all steps of the value chain from the creation of the concept, the selection of materials, the calculation (of the partly anisotropic materials) over the production up to the mechanical inspection of the prototype components. The aim of the design, dimensioning and manufacture of highly stressed lightweight structures is to achieve minimum component weight with the required strength and rigidity.
Contact us with your challenge in the field of fiber composite technology/lightweight construction for an initial, non-binding discussion.
