JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013 - 53

finished product (unidirectionally reinforced tapes or
bidirectionally reinforced laminates). Here, the Ultrasim
developers are working on enhancing the already used
optimization methods. The well-known and acknowledged assistance offered by Ultrasim in the field of shortglass fibre-reinforced materials will also be available for
the new class of Ultracom continuous-fibre reinforced
materials.

Experimental part testing
- now with computer tomography
A wide range of test equipment, including expert knowhow, is available for experimental investigation of test
specimens, samples and new composite parts. The brandnew computer tomography (CT) system now allows
material samples, parts and connections to be tested in
a completely new way: CT permits detailed observation
of the inner structures and properties of composites in a
non-destructive manner like no other technology.
Additional testing capabilities include long-term exposure to temperatures, climates and liquids as well as
experiments with quasi-static, dynamic or sudden forces
and internal pressures. Individual part structures can be
subjected to targeted tensile, compressive, flexural or torsional loads - at different temperatures. In addition, the
testing laboratory is responsible for investigating and optimizing joining technologies such as welding, adhesive
bonding or bolting - an aspect that is indispensable for
multi-material design of thermoplastic composite parts.

For the customer: part
development with assistance
In conjunction with simulation and part testing, the
new manufacturing cell is now available for customerspecific projects. In addition to the mould, the gripper
and clamping frames must then be designed for the
customer's particular part and the robot kinematics
modified accordingly. At present, the majority of work
involves laminates as the semi-finished product. Unidirectionally oriented tapes consolidated into sheets will
soon be available for use. The first customer projects are
already in progress. Optimum interaction of application
development with simulation, processing technology and
a testing laboratory under one roof ensures assistance for
the customer throughout the entire process chain: from
material characterization to high-volume parts production. In this way, composite parts can be developed in a
joint effort and a highly efficient manner. n

ering
es Engine
12-13
* Composit
ovember,
am, GB, N
Birmingh
te Expo
-22
* Kompozy
ember, 21
land, Nov
Krakow, Po
e 2013
r, 19-21
* Oﬀshor
Novembe
Germany,
Frankfurt,

A worthwhile idea.
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Realize your own individual lightweight
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You can ﬁnd a contact person at
www.rohacell.com

More information:
www.basf.com

No84 October 2013

/ jec composites magazine 53

http://www.rohacell.com http://www.basf.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013