New German composite technology

New German composite technology: 

blow molding + continuous compression molding = 

continuous production of composite hollow profiles

The German Herone GmbH was established with funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. The relevant personnel announced the launch of its three-year InPro research project to continuously produce thermoplastic composite hollow profile structures by means of intermittent hot pressing technology (continuous blow molding (CBM) process). The project will work with partners HPF GmbH & Co. KG (Saxony, Germany) and the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) of the Dresden University of Technology to change the current status of discontinuous production.

Related personnel believe that the CBM process is the foundation of the project. The patented semi-continuous method combines blow molding technology with continuous compression molding (CCM) technology to continuously produce composite hollow profiles. Researcher e said that this process is said to be particularly important in high-stress areas (such as where the load is introduced). In addition, this method is said to be more effective and save resources, thereby reducing environmental impact.

In this research project, CBM technology for processing high-performance thermoplastics (such as PEEK polymers, PPS or PPA) will be further developed and combined with injection molding technology to achieve additional functionalization of composite profiles. The company added that the subsequent injection step can integrate functional elements (such as gears, levers, sealing surfaces, integral composite threads) into basic components through form-fit connections or a combination of form-fit and bonded joints. Target components include media storage systems such as tension compression struts, drive shafts, and liquid hydrogen tubes.

InPro will end in 2023 and will be deployed with the support of international partners Victrex and Boeing.