At the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) site in Stade, the DLR Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems operates the largest research autoclave in the world. The Biggest Autoclave Laboratory Uni (BALU®) is used to research new technologies in the field of lightweight composite structures.
Optimising the production of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers
An autoclave is a pressure-sealed oven that is used to cure components made of Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) in a vacuum. The objective of the research carried out at Center for Lightweight-Production-Technology is to optimise infusion and curing processes for fibre-composite components on an industrial scale. To date, the system has been used for applications in the fields of aeronautics, space, transport, wind power and energy.
A large proportion of national and international projects deal with the primary structures of aircraft, such as fuselage segments and wing shells made from a diverse range of materials. At the facility, aluminium (relaxation forming) and fibre-metal laminates (fuselage shells) are just as well represented as CFRP (for example, toolmaking, among other things).
The research autoclave in Stade is also increasingly being used as a testing platform for digitalisation and Industry 4.0. To this end, a patented concept for the curing process is being tested and validated in combination with a digital twin. Users include stakeholders across the entire supply chain; for example, original equipment manufacturers, component manufacturers, material suppliers, end users and system manufacturers.
Contact
Volker Speelmann
Head of Research Infrastructures
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Executive Board department for Innovation, Transfer and Research Infrastructure
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne
Hakan Ucan
Strategical Machine Officer
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP)
