SAMPE Journal - September/October 2013 - (Page 26)

Europe News & Views Gary Turner European Section Editor gt@ttrc.de Editor's note: in lieu of SAMPE Europe chapter activity during the quiet summer months, below are reports on two recent prominent M&P related activities in Europe, one in Germany, the other in France. New Composites Research Facility – Germany In mid- May, the German aerospace research agency DLR (similar to NASA in the USA) opened a brand new, state of the art composites lightweighting R&D facility. The ZLP (Center for Lightweight Production Technology) is located in Augsburg, joining other ZLP facilities in parts of the country. This editor was invited to the opening, which took place over two days. The first for was ceremonial, the second focused the new facility's technical capabilities. This report is about the latter. The day comprised guided lab and research tours, equipment demos, along with a steady stream of technical lectures and presentations. The accompanying photographs (courtesy of the DLR) reflect a rare opportunity to look into the “inner sanctum” of one of the world's newest and most advanced composites lightweighting centers. The technical day was opened with greetings from Prof. Dr. Heinz Voggenreiter, DLR Director of the Institute for Structures and Material Research. He spoke of research plans and activities for the new facility, noting sectors other than aerospace will be included, and that although basically involved in national programs, there is scope for work with international firms and other research entities, as long as German industry is involved. He added that while there would be a steady flow of lectures and presentations, visitors were free roam thru the large facility, inspecting equipment plus related ongoing project demonstrations and examples. This opening was followed by technical addresses, including those from Airbus, on the needs for automation in composite production; the workings of a large (ca. 50 ft. by 100 ft) multi-functional robotic workcell, with several overhead-mounted robots. It is a cooperative effort between the DLR and KUKA Robots, also of Augsburg. Talks were given on the use of special end-effectors (grippers, transporters) in automated production; mechatronic tools and production equipment, by Premium Aerotec; material deposition (both prepregs and dry textiles) by coordinating robots at the DLR; production resource efficiency as an innovation driver, from the neighboring Fraunhofer Institute. Activities continued, with talks and demonstrations of automated composites production,which was the inherent focus of this event. The INSTRUKT program for innovative integral structures by automated production was presented by Eurocopter Germany, followed by a talk on automated helicopter manufacturing, by the DLR. MT Aerospace then presented some of its work on automated thermoplastic materials deposition in aerospace structures, for example Airbus water tanks. Next, the DLR offered its views on production-integrated composites QA. Following coffee, Premium Aerotec talked about requirements and solutions for a higher degree of automation in composites assembly. An impressive day was wrapped up by a lively podium discussion, with all presenters handling questions from the moderator and the audience. By the way, literally right next door to the DLR is another brand new composites materials and structures research facility belonging to the renowned Fraunhofer research organization. The two will cooperate on various programs, but also have their own distinct approaches – spheres of influence. 26 SAMPE Journal, Volume 49, No. 5, September/October 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SAMPE Journal - September/October 2013

SAMPE Journal - September/October 2013
Contents
President’s Message
Technical Director’s Corner
Manufacturing Overview of a 2.4 Meter (7.9 Foot) Composite Cryotank
Welcome SAMPE’s Newest Members
SAMPE Proceedings
Corporate Partners
SAMPE On-Site Training Seminars
CAMX–The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo
Europe News & Views
SAMPE Europe’s SETEC 13 Wuppertal, Germany
Tech Tidbits
Thermoplastic Composites Technologies for Manufacturing Nose Fuselage Structures
Materials & Products
SAMPE Tech 2013|Wichita, KS
Perspectives
High Temperature RTM370 Polyimide Composites Fabricated by RTM: Characterization and Impact Testing
The SAMPE Foundation
SAMPE Tech 2014|Call for Papers
Industry News
Advertiser’s Index
SAMPE Journal Editorial Calender
Resource Center
Membership Application
SAMPE Proceedings Order Form
Industry Events Calendar
Chapter Contacts

SAMPE Journal - September/October 2013