We optimise components and enable the manufacture of lighter and stronger products with a longer service life.

• Structure Simulation
• Topology optimisation
• Composite manufacturing

We process plastic waste more efficiently and recycle it into high-quality, technologically sophisticated products.

• Recycling technology
• Biopolymer
• Life Cycle Assessment

We further develop industrial manufacturing processes in order to produce high-quality and more economical goods.

• Process-Simulation
• Material flow-Simulation
• Process-Monitoring (KI)

We analyse the material behaviour under various conditions and help to identify and use the perfect material.

• Material characterisation
• Material modelling
• Data acquisition and Data analysis

3D coordinate measuring machine (3d scanner)

The optical 3D coordinate measuring machine of the VL series captures complex shapes and geometries of any measured object with the help of fringe projection images. 16 million measuring points enable the determination of form and position tolerances as well as plane, profile, profile comparison and 3D comparison measurements. In addition, the highly accurate acquisition of measured objects in conjunction with the latest software enables CAD data feedback to be performed in order to generate and edit virtual 3D models.

• Technical data

horizontal single-sample dilatometer dil 801

With our fully automatic and highly precise horizontal single-sample dilatometer, a sample can be measured over a temperature range from -90°C to 450°C in a defined atmosphere. The results from the temperature-dependent dimensional changes can be used for quality assurance and basic research for process simulation.

• Technical data

discovery dma 850

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) can be used to assess the mechanical properties of materials as a function of temperature, time or humidity. By measuring the elastic and viscous properties, complex materials such as polymers and composites can be described for process simulation and, for example, the glass transition temperature of polymers can be determined.

• Technical data

discovery dsc 250

DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) is used to determine the amount of heat generated or released by a sample during heating or cooling. This enables the determination of characteristic material values (e.g. phase transitions, specific hear capacity), especially for filled and unfilled polymers, technical high-performance polymers and fibre-reinforced plastics according to DIN EN ISO 11357-1 to -7. These determined results form the basis for process simulations.

• Technical data

hr-20 discovery hybrid rheometer

The rheometer is used to investigate material-specific deformation and flow behaviour and serves as a basis for process simulation. Flow tests, time-dependent measurements to determine creep behaviour and stress relaxation, but also vibration tests can be carried out. The viscosity and yield point are determined in order to gain a better understanding of the processability of plastics.

• Technical data

dynamic materials testing machine hc 100 kn

The Dynamic Materials Testing Machine is used to determine characteristic material values, in particular of filled and unfilled polymers and technical high-performance polymers as well as fibre composite plastics. These obtained values are required both as a basis for construction and design tasks (e.g. of lightweight structures and generally as input for simulations) and for the relative evaluation of different materials in the context of material selection.

• Technical data

WDD- PLANT

Determination of the water vapour transmission rate of films and foils for samples with a thickness up to 25mm.

• Technical Data

Bulk density measurement

Determination of the apparent density of moulding compounds according to DIN EN ISO60

• Technical Data

grinding and polishing machine

Mechanical processing, from cutting larger components to grinding and polishing samples. grinding and polishing of ground samples.

• Technical Data

microscopy

Imaging for fracture analyses, texture analyses and morphology with large-area scans
and extensive evaluation options (e.g. fibre volume content). Combined with
dark field, polariser and comprehensive software, the microscope offers a range of analytical
optical examination, the microscope also offers a range of analysis and evaluation functions.
In addition, the heating/cooling table can be used to investigate the material behaviour during temperature changes (e.g. melting).
(e.g. melting, crystallisation, dissolution and precipitation processes, formation of spherulites)
at cryogenic temperatures up to 600°C can be examined.

• Technical Data

3d printer raise3d pro2

Our 3D printer uses the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process. Through integration of sensor technology during the printing process, the functionalisation of 3D printed components can be advanced. Thus, it is possible to derive material-process-property relationships in order to increase the overall performance of additively manufactured components.

• Technical data

mini extruder with film blowing unit

Laboratory production trials for standard plastic pellets up to max. 300°C for strand extrusion and blown film production.

• Technical data

composite processing station with oven and resin/reaction
injection molding/ rim plant

Resin injection plant for the production of fiber composite and pure plastic specimens (shoulder,
short, long samples). Processing of low-pressure injectable resin systems in interaction
with fiber semi-finished products such as woven fabrics and scrims made from a wide variety of fiber materials.

• Technical data

Simulation is the tool of choice for designing tools for plastic injection moulding "first right", for example. Here, the mold filling with various materials and under variable process conditions can be evaluated in advance in order to robustly and economically realize the desired product. This saves expensive trials and the production of prototype tools. It also supports the search for innovative solutions for tool design and process control.

Wherever masses have to be moved, energy is consumed - this is where the lightweight construction aspect comes into play. Weight reduction can be achieved through alternative construction methods such as sandwich, ribs or bionic structures as well as the use of high-performance materials such as carbon fiber composites or a combination of these. In addition, completely new fields of application are possible, for example in the combination of fibre composites with metals.

In order to make manufacturing processes more transparent and robust, data acquisition systems and automated evaluation methods are increasingly being used. The latter require large amounts of data in order to "get to know" the process status and draw conclusions. Our goal is to use simulation to make manufacturing processes more robust and achieve zero rejects. To this end, data from virtual processing, for example, can be used as a basis for data analysis even before the first real component has been manufactured.

Equally great challenge and responsibility is the further use and reuse of plastic products at the end of their life cycle: recycling. We participate in the initiation of joint projects to make the processing of plastic waste more efficient and return it to valuable, technically sophisticated products.

• Smart3D - Smart 3D printing of high-performance polymer systems
        Partners: TC Grafenau, Ingenieurbüro Muhr GmbH, Kumovis GmbH, nebumind GmbH
• SensoTwin - Sensor-integrated digital twin for high-performance fibre composite applications
        Partners: TC Freyung, TUM, TÜV Süd Industries Service GmbH, Enercon, Fos4x, UL International GmbH
• AutoClean - Development of an automated post-processing line with integrated AI-based quality control and sorting station
        and sorting station for components from powder bed-based 3D printing
        Partners: TC Cham, SHL Automatisierungstechnik AG, thinkTEC3D GmbH
• Powercube - Deployables Cubed GmbH - This project is about the development of a mini-satellite, which should deliver a power of 100W until the end of the mission. Furthermore, the structure is to be designed in such a way that it can be stowed in the volume of a cube with an edge length of 10 cm, can be transported safely, unfolds easily at the mission target and does not weigh more than two kilograms. In order to comply with the specified boundary conditions, the implementation of an integral fibre-reinforced carrier structure with innovative joints is being investigated. Deployment simulations and tests are being carried out to validate the concepts.             
• HiPower - Industrial research and construction of a prototype for a novel 100W high power solar panel subsystem for New Space NanoSats and SmallSats Partner: Deployables Cubed GmbH
• EXRE - Applied exoskeleton research for use in rehabilitation. The project aims to improve synergies between the regions in applied research. An international, interdisciplinary research team is driving the development of an exoskeleton prototype for rehabilitation and prosthetic practice.    
  Joint innovations in the fields of design, construction technologies, 3D printing, mechatronics, applied cybernetics (brain-computer interface) and rehabilitation will be utilised. The participation of 5 associated partners from the field and the testing of the exoskeleton enable a transfer of expertise to SMEs in the fields of mechatronics, rehabilitation and prosthetics.    
  Partner: University of West Bohemia: ZČU in Pilsen

• SurfMod3Dton - Functionalisation of 3D (FDM) components for detonation coating
  Partner: Reimann Industrietechnik GmbH                                                                          
• Sumida Components & Modules GmbH - Effective chain analysis for injection moulded parts in high-performance electronic components In cooperation with Sumida, the Technology Campus Hutthurm is developing a simulation strategy to transfer the results from the injection moulding simulation to a structural simulation. The subsequent FE calculation is intended to optimise the load-bearing behaviour while simultaneously improving the component design.
• ForCEs - Exoskeleton research cluster - cyber-physical systems for the working world of the future
  Partners: TC Freyung, TC Cham

• E-modulus
• (fatigue) strength
• cyclic service life tests
• damage and fracture behaviour.

• Specific heat capacity
• enthalpies and characteristic temperatures (glass transition, crystallisation, melt) and
• reaction kinetics

• Degree of hardening and crystallisation
• thermal expansion
• reaction shrinkage
• viscosity, loss and storage modulus (loss factor)
• relaxation and creep tests

Quality assurance analyses using light and scanning electron microscopy (incl. EDX), DSC, FT-IR and TGA