Our institute operates three hot presses at its two sites in Augsburg and Stuttgart to investigate the production processes for structural components made of fibre-reinforced thermoplastics.
Hot press molding allows fast forming and consolidation of complex parts. In combination with the infrared heating system, short cycle times can be achieved based on the thermoforming of organo sheets.
In addition to thermoforming, the systems can also be used for variothermic consolidation of sheets and components. An integrated cooling system with water and airflow allow fast and homogenous cooling of the parts.
At DLR's Center for Lightweight Production Technology in Augsburg, the hot press is embedded in an integrated workcell, the so-called thermoplastic cell (TPZ), with a thermostable robot on a linear axis to investigate the entire process chain.
