The application of thermoplastic composites in aviation will be advanced by designing, producing and validating primary structures such as tail, wing and fuselage sections.
To enable new ways of sustainable aviation, lighter and more aerodynamic aircraft will be a prerequisite. Fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites offer the performance and versatility to make this possible. Lightweight, freer shapes, recyclable and easier to maintain. This project focusses on the development of primary structures for electric Urban Air Mobility vehicles. This new market is a forerunner in electrification and are expected to serve as a stepping stone for the implementation of thermoplastic materials in large scale commercial flight. The goal is to pursue a leading position for the Dutch manufacturing industry in this new market and advancing sustainable aviation.
The application of thermoplastic composites in aviation will be advanced by designing, producing and validating primary structures such as tail, wing and fuselage sections. Resulting in:
In this process our engineers are focussing on enabling smart manufacturing of an orthogrid stiffened thermoplastic composite panel concept, by an automated system to process mould blocks and stiffener preforms.
This project has received funding from the “Subsidieregeling R&D Mobiliteitssectoren (RDM)” by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland.
As part of aviation industry’s efforts to become more sustainable, SAM XL is developing a revolutionary, intelligent production system for assembling the lower section of an aircraft fuselage.
Robots need to learn to localize themselves and what is happening in their surroundings. This will enable them to operate more accurately and work together. SAM XL is developing a manufacturing testbed for post-production quality inspection, in combination with mobile manipulators.
Flexible and modular manufacturing of large components, that’s what PeneloPe is all about. A novel methodology, linking product-centric data management and production planning in a closed-loop digital pipeline.
Here’s the challenge: developing a lightweight thermoplastic composite tank, resistant to the low temperature of liquid hydrogen. From design to production process: we are developing the expertise required for manufacturing lightweight fuel tanks.
This innovation hub helps businesses to go digital. It does this by developing digital solutions, training staff and fostering links between the business community and the education sector. The focus is on the manufacturing, port and maritime, and horticulture sectors.
The next generation of aircraft will need to reduce their CO₂ emissions in many areas. In this project, we are focusing on improving the leading edge of aircraft wings.
We are developing a new technology to bond different types of composites together. This hybrid technology bonds thermoplastic composites with thermosets. The aim is to make aircraft and other large structures lighter and more sustainable.
SAM XL is advancing new technologies for continuous ultrasonic welding and – together with partners – thermoforming of thermoplastic composites so they can be applied in industrial manufacturing of large, lightweight aircraft structures.