As a special highlight of this year, the AZL presented the "iComposite 4.0" self-optimising process chain: fibrespraying - dry fibre placement - adaptive RTM as well as AZL’s new prototype machine development "Ultra-Fast Consolidator Machine" for highly productive and flexible processing of thermoplastic tapes with in-situ consolidation.
More than 100 Participants from external companies as well as from the AZL Network had the possibility to experience updates on the latest lightweight production technologies and equipment, get to know the beneficial infrastructure on the Campus and network with internationally represented companies of the entire lightweight value chain researches by taking part in five guided tours to the lightweight institutes.
The AZL brought together content in the field of textiles (ITA), plastics and composite materials (IKV), production technology (WZL, IPT, ILT, and ISF), quality assurance and production-integrated measurement technology (WZL), lightweight design (SLA), automotive production (IKA) as well as multi-material systems and process integration (AZL).
Once a year at the open day, the AZL offers an exclusive and widespread insight into the R&D capacities of the institutes in the field of lightweight and composite technologies on the campus of RWTH Aachen University.
Within walking distance, researchers and students from nine institutes are working on the latest technologies for the cost-efficient development and production of lightweight components within one of the largest research landscapes in Europe. The research, closely involving industrial companies, covers the entire value chain from fibre production, materials and processing technology to quality assurance and component testing.
