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CCS develops new way to create composite structures

21 Nov '14

2 min read

Built on thermoplastic tape placement technology and by integrating it with advanced robotics and laser technologies, Composite Cluster Singapore (CCS) has developed a concept that aims to produce high-performance composite structures in shorter time and with significantly reduced cost.

CCS will continue the development in the project, jointly with its partners HOPE Technik Pte Ltd, KUKA Robot Automation (M) Sdn Bhd, SGL Group and TRUMPF Pte Ltd.

The success of the project will push the boundaries in materials engineering in Singapore and have disruptive implications in the high-technology based manufacturing for the aerospace, aviation and motoring industries.

Parts and components made from high-performance carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) generally have superior stiffness and strength per weight when compared to metal components.

In addition, they also present opportunities in design and shapes, because they are per definition an additive manufacturing method.

CCS and its partners are building on the recent advancements in materials, as well as automation to establish a process and machine concept to manufacture CFRP components without expensive moulds and tooling.

The CCS project team will be lead by Dr. Florian Doetzer, managing director of CCS, who is an experienced technology manager with previous positions in automotive and aerospace industries.

He and his team will be supported specialist engineers from each of the partners in their respective field of expertise like integration and prototyping (HOPE), robotics (KUKA), thermoplastic composite material (SGL) and industrial laser technology (TRUMPF).

This will target a global market of high-performance composites that Freedonia Group estimates at US $10.2 billion in 2016, while Visiongain estimates the global market for aerospace components at $10.3 billion in 2012.

The global potential for components produced with the freespace composite manufacturing system is estimated at approximately $2-3 billion in 2016, spanning multiple industries, such as aviation, space, marine, racing and sports.

A go to market strategy will target lightweight aviation, space, competition yachts and car racing components. Offering engineering and manufacturing services in the beginning, a licensing concept will be considered for a global market growth in collaboration with the technology partners.

The project is supported by the Technology Enterprise Commercialisation Scheme (TECS) under SPRING Singapore. TECS is a competitive grant that supports the development of high-growth Singapore start-ups with a strong technology proposition and a scalable business model. (AR)

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