DLR Innovation Lab EmpowerAX
4/25 - 4/27/2023: EmpowerAX @ JEC World in Paris, Hall 6, Booth S28:
Presentation of EmpowerAX Demo Part on the topic
"Additive Functionalization of a multi curved shell- Demonstration of an industrial process chain for local reinforcement"
From 25 to 27 April, we will be at JEC World 2023 in Paris, France, together with our colleagues from the DLR Institut für Bauweisen und Strukturtechnologie. At the joint Composites United stand, the institutes will present their research, technologies and services. Experts from both institutes will be available at their booth to answer questions and provide information about their activities and research.
3/23/2023: Blog article on Composites World:
Demonstrating functionalized, cost-effective composites using additive extrusion
Hybrid thermoset/thermoplastic composite part with 3D-printed functionalization demonstrates technology possibilities and EmpowerAX open platform offering expertise from members throughout the process chain.
3/16/2023: Blog article on DLR Leichtbau Blog:
From space travel to the human leg – use cases for fibre-reinforced 3D printing
Additive Extrusion technology with fibre.reinforced materials finds its ideal place of application where components with a high load-bearing capacity and a high need for customisation require a lower weight at the same time. With fibre-reinforced 3D printing, these three requirements can be combined in one component. The team behind EmpowerAX works out the suitable application scenarios with a mixture of curiosity, openness and structured methods in their various Use Case Challenges.
3/23/2023 Blog article on DLR Leichtbau Blog:
High-precision CNC robots for additive manufacturing of fibre-composite structures
Increasing sustainability and productivity is one of the biggest challenges of our time. Therefore, in industry, there is a great need for high-precision and flexible systems for additive manufacturing. At our Institute, specially designed CNC robot kinematics with a high absolute positioning accuracy allow precisely controlled path movements in three-dimensional space. In combination with specifically developed tools for the deposition of short or continuous fibre-reinforced materials, this creates an agile and flexible process for the additive manufacturing of thermoplastic fibre-composite structures.
2/3/2022: Blog article on DLR Leichtbau Blog:
DLR EmpowerAX innovation lab – working together towards fibre-reinforced 3D printing
The implementation of new technologies presents a number of challenges for companies. As a result, companies look to find all the relevant information for technology implementation combined in one place. This is precisely what the DLR Innovation Lab EmpowerAX offers in the field of additive extrusion with continuous fibre-reinforced materials. In collaboration with suppliers and users, EmpowerAX serves as the necessary technological expertise for the successful industrial application of additive extrusion.
1/20/2022: Blog article on DLR Leichtbau Blog:
Non-cutting metal replacement – continuous fibre-reinforced 3D printing filaments
A newly developed impregnation technology enables cost-effective and flexible production of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic 3D printing filaments. When combined with additive material extrusion processes, this makes it possible to implement lightweight yet highly resilient components made of thermoplastic fibre composites cost-effectively, even for new businesses and manufacturers of small production runs.
7/22/2021: Blog article on Composites World:
Reducing the cost of continuous fiber 3D printing materials
DLR has developed a novel approach to produce thermoplastic impregnated fibers for lower cost versus current slit-tape materials.
7/7/2021: Blog article on Composites World:
EmpowerAX strengthens accessibility to continuous fiber 3D printing
Platform joins technology users and providers to work on standards, tests and frameworks for faster, lower-cost evaluation and implementation of additive extrusion technologies for industrial parts.
2/25/2021: Blog article on Composites World:
DLR launches EmpowerAX to industrialize continuous fiber 3D printing
Global, industry-diversified platform will increase access to additive extrusion (AX) technologies and accelerate technology transfer for users and providers.
12/4/2020: Blog article on DLR Leichtbau Blog:
3D-printed CFRP components – new impregnation technology reduces costs
A newly developed impregnation technology is set to reduce manufacturing costs for continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic 3D printing filaments by up to 80 percent. Impregnation capabilities integrated into the extruder nozzle open up cost-effective economic application options for industry, especially in connection with additive manufacturing processes.