Organizations at the Fraunhofer Institute for Materials and Systems IMWS and the Brightlands Materials Center in the Netherlands will join forces to advance 3D printing of thermoplastic composites. According to recent news, both parties plan to optimize fiber-reinforced thermoplastics for additive manufacturing applications on an industrial scale.
In manufacturing, polymer composites are getting more and more attention from materials, mainly because of their properties. Composite materials can include polymers embedded in carbon fibers, glass fibers, etc., which can produce lighter parts that almost match the strength of metal.
In this specific initiative, the Fraunhofer Institute will work with the Brightlands Materials Center-an initiative of the Provinces of Limburg and TNO-to take advantage of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics The combination of manufacturing flexibility and design freedom.
The first phase of the project will allow partners to investigate the additive manufacturing process to better understand how composites and AM can best be combined. For example, the team will investigate how fibers are embedded in a polymer matrix and how their positioning and orientation affect the mechanical properties of printed parts.
The second phase will see joint researchers developing materials and AM technologies that are suitable for the production of high-impedance, custom parts or spare parts for the automotive, aerospace and construction industries.
It is understood that the cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands stems from the long-standing coexistence history between Saxony-Anhalt and Limburg. This history stems from the common concern of the chemical and plastic industries. The two regions have also stated that they are committed to developing renewable resources and technologies.