Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPTResearch project "ambliFibre"
ambliFibre will develop and validate the first intelligent model-based controlled laser-assisted tape winding system for fibre-reinforced thermoplastic (FRP) components serving the needs of tomorrow´s energy production and storage with an enhanced reliable, flexible, easily manageable and cost efficient manufacturing technology. Therefore ambliFibre will combine thermal and optical models embedded into an integral process control with novel machine, laser and quality monitoring technologies. For the first time a manufacturing system for thermoplastic composites will be realised which is able not only to drastically reduce the occurring waste, but also predict potentially arising failure in order to reduce machine downtimes. Statistical reliability and maintenance models for detection of critical elements and definition of their reliability will also prevent sudden machine breakdowns and allow defining the most cost-efficient maintenance schedule.
Thus ambliFibre will be a major breakthrough for the continuous and discontinuous production of neuralgic tape-winded tubular composite components, such as gas tanks for automotive application or composite ultra-deep-water risers.
Project Partners
Academic and Research Partners
- Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
- Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
- Chair for Technology of Optical Systems TOS
- Teaching and Research Field for Design and Development of Microsystems
- University of Twente: Production Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology
Industrial Partners
- GE Oil & Gas UK Ltd.
- HBN Teknik A/S
- Ixun Lasertechnik GmbH
- Life Cycle Engineering Srl
- Mach4Lab
- Neovision s.r.o.
- New Infrared Technologies, Ltd.
- Pultrex Ltd.
- Video Systems Srl