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INDUFLEX joint research projectINDUFLEX is an economical joining of fiber composite structures by means of inductive heating using flexible handling systems. The objective of this project is the development of a welding process for fast, flexible joining of three-dimensional structures made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites.
In a prototype manufacturing facility, a pioneering induction welding head was combined with a jointed-arm robot as a flexible handling system. During the induction welding process, the seam quality is monitored and regulated by means of an innovative process controller. This technology allows easy subsequent separation of the joint and renewed joining of the components.
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The process is being tested using components for the automotive industry. Furthermore, a methodological study of product life cycles is being drafted to assess costs and quantify cost-effectiveness.
This research and development project is being supported by funds from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of its “Research for Tomorrow's Production” initiative, support code 02PB2030, and supervised by the Project Management Agency Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (PTKA), Department of Production and Manufacturing Technologies (PFT). |
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Winner JEC Innovation Award 2009 - Category Automation |
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Winner Innovation Award 2008 - Network of Automotive Excellence (NoAE) |
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