In collaboration with the wbk Institute of Production Science at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Framo Morat has researched and tested an advanced manufacturing process for the efficient production of hybrid components made from fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP). The goal is to create lightweight, high-strength drive elements for industrial use.
In the cooperative project, an innovative centrifugal process was further developed, combining carbon fiber, epoxy resin matrix, and metallic functional elements into metal-FRP hybrid parts in a single production step. This method reduces throughput times compared to pultrusion, winding, or pressing processes, thereby also minimizing process costs. The process has been successfully tested and validated on various drive shafts.
FRP, particularly carbon fibers known as carbon, are ideal for lightweight construction applications due to their low weight and high stiffness. The combination of fiber-reinforced materials and metal allows for precise adjustment of material properties to specific loads, maximizing the performance of the components.
With the market launch of this technology, Framo Morat plans to unlock new potentials in lightweight construction while contributing to energy efficiency. The centrifuged FRP components can be used for transmitting tensile, compressive, and torsional forces, as well as combinations of these loads. Therefore, they are suitable for use in the automotive industry, automation technology, and aerospace.