Fraunhofer IFAM

ACCenT: Advanced Composite Cost-driver identification and Targeting

Description of the company

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the world’s leading organization for applied research. At our site in Stade, we develop solutions for automated assembly, joining, and machining, primarily for the aerospace and wind energy sectors. Our core competencies include large-structure assembly, adhesive bonding and surface technologies, innovative lightweight materials, production-oriented prototyping, robotic systems, process optimization, digital factory planning, and metrology.

Situation

Depending on the process used, the manufacture of composite components can be a very complex process involving many manual steps. In particular, the vacuum infusion process and the vacuum bagging process require not only a great deal of labor but also a large amount of auxiliary materials.

Problem

Many of these auxiliary materials are not reusable, which is why enormous quantities of industrial waste are produced. Separating this waste is also a major problem for individual materials that could be recycled.

Aims of the project

The aim of this project is to identify cost drivers (materials and processes) for the manufacture of composite components. At least one target (process or material) should be selected which, through innovative change, has a significant impact on productivity or cost efficiency. The ideas will be developed together and compiled into a final concept.

Scopes

The project scope includes:

• Review the state of the art of composite manufacturing
  àresearch and investigation by the students
• Workshop with the IFAM to get a good introduction into theory and praxis

à Definition and identification of cost drivers and problems
à Brainstorming session for possible solutions

•  First Concept

à Feedback and further development

• Concept Development
• Evaluation and Presentation of results
• Visualization of the final concept

Target group (students)

We are looking for a committed, open minded and interdisciplinary team in which everyone can contribute with their expertise and would like to do some hands-on work. Your field of study might be:

• Mechanical engineering
• General Engineering Science
• Product development, Materials and Production
• Mechatronics
• Robotics

Bachelor students are very welcome.

If your course of studies is not listed, don’t worry, this list is not exhaustive. Feel free to apply.

Dates
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Registration
You can apply for Fishing for Experience online.