Composites are the materials of the future. The impetus to use composite materials is coming primarily from the aerospace industry. However, these light but rigid materials are also coming to the fore in automobile development and in “young” sectors such as the wind power industry. Following the Composite Excellence initiative launched at AMB 2010, the LMT Group is pooling its expertise in this growth sector and presenting the broadest product range on the market.
The increased use of composite components not only in the automotive and aircraft industries, but also, for example, in the wind power sector naturally presents new challenges for the production processes involved. The reliable and efficient processing of these materials is an important factor in productivity.
Alongside new techniques, such as water jet cutting and laser cutting, traditional machining continues to play a central role. Here, however, fibre delamination and overheating, for example, are major problems. Additionally, the highly abrasive character of these materials means the tools have to be optimally protected against wear and tear to achieve the required operating times. LMT offers a diverse range of powerful standard and specialized tool solutions with special blade geometries and specific cutting materials such as PCD or solid carbide in combination with diamond- and nano-coatings. At AMB 2010 the LMT Group launched its Composite Excellence initiative to concentrate its competences in this growth market and thereby present the broadest range of applications for the machining of plastic and composite materials.
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) is increasingly being used in the automotive industry. Overall it makes for lighter and therefore more fuel-efficient vehicles. Even complex components like side panel frames, for example, are now made of CFRP. But how can you guarantee the efficient and high-quality mass production of these elements?
There are fundamental technical and industrial changes affecting our everyday life, but that occur out of sight. One example is the use of materials in the construction of an aircraft. A glance at the status of tool development at LMT Belin in this field illustrates the technical challenges associated with this.
