The RE project is expanding research infrastructure at the CFK NORD site in Stade, Germany, with a focus on circular lightweight materials and resource-efficient manufacturing. The initiative brings together research capabilities in thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composites, laser processing, robotics, and recycling.
The project is developing laser-based manufacturing, joining, and separation technologies for thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composites. These processes are intended to support more flexible manufacturing while improving the potential for component disassembly and material recovery at the end of service life.
RE also incorporates cognitive and humanoid robotics for flexible composite production and recycling processes. The combination of robotics and advanced processing is intended to create manufacturing routes that can adapt to different components and support more resource-efficient production.
The research infrastructure brings together the IFW Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools, the Institute of Aircraft Design and Lightweight Structures (IFL) at TU Braunschweig, and the Institute of Polymer Materials and Plastics Engineering at TU Clausthal. The collaboration will provide facilities for research and development under near-industrial conditions.
With its focus on thermoplastic composites, circular material flows, laser processing, and automated recycling, RE is intended to strengthen Germany’s lightweight manufacturing research base while supporting the development of more sustainable composite technologies for aerospace and other lightweight applications.
Source: CFK Nord| LinkedIn
