Markus Kleineberg

Interactive Manufacturing Process Parameter Control

The most critical step within the process chain is the curing of the matrix because here the different semi-finished products are transformed into a completely new compound material. In case of thermoset matrix systems all geometrical characteristics of the produced composite component are frozen as well. Tolerances in the chemical composition of the matrix or simple aging aspects can influence the crosslinking reaction while typical weight tolerances of the fibre product may affect the fibre content, the laminate thickness or even the global geometrical shape of the composite component through the so called “Spring-In” phenomenon. Interactively controlling the curing step is a promising approach to solve most of the above mentioned problems.

Self-Controlled Composite Processing

Technical properties of composite materials highly depend on their distribution of fibre and matrix components. To combine these two components in the best possible configuration a variety of technologies has been developed. However a remaining challenge is that all semi finished products have decisive tolerances that may interact during production and lower the level of structural performance. To avoid extended safety margins, a variety of strategies has been developed to maximize reproducibility in the crucial production steps by detecting and compensating dominating tolerance issues in the process chain.