Abstract: For increasing the speed in 3D printing, for avoiding the conveying elements slipping from the conveyed semi-finished product, and for improving the transmission of force from the conveying elements to the semi-finished products to be conveyed, a conveying installation is provided for an additive manufacturing machine. The conveying installation for conveying a semi-finished product comprises a longitudinal conveying mechanism which by means of a periodic movement of at least one conveying element conveys the semi-finished product along a conveying direction which is parallel to the semi-finished product longitudinal axis. The conveying element when moving in the conveying direction acquires the semi-finished product, and when moving counter to the conveying direction is released from the semi-finished product. This results in a movement of the semi-finished product in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A method of using solid profile rods instead of the usual filament coils for additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing for industrial applications such as aircraft manufacturing, and to enable a more rapid production of fiber-composite components. The additive manufacturing device, or the 3D printer which generates the component layer by layer, respectively, comprises a material magazine in which a plurality of profile rods are stored. The profile rods are pre-tailored and are adapted to the component layer by layer. The profile rods, when printing, are successively retrieved from the material magazine and, by way of an infeed installation, guided to the nozzle of the additive manufacturing installation and subsequently applied to the printing bed so as to form the component layer by layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a component from a fibre-reinforced plastic includes the steps of providing a moulding tool having a tool surface, positioning a first layer of a textile semifinished product comprising dry fibres on the tool surface, arranging a second layer of an electrically conductive, resin-permeable grid on the first layer, arranging an uppermost arrangement of layers, sealing the arrangement of layers by a closure device to form a mould, introducing resin into the mould for infiltration of all the layers with the resin and curing and removal of the component.

Abstract: A 3D printing device includes a printing substrate, a movable printing head configured for additively producing from a modelling material a component on the printing substrate, and a flexible printing space cover which, proceeding from the printing head, spans the printing substrate such that a closed printing space is formed between the printing head and the printing substrate, wherein a printing nozzle of the printing head for applying the modelling material protrudes into the printing space. A support structure of the device includes flexible support rods which run from the printing head to the printing substrate and which hold the printing space cover above the printing substrate.

Abstract: A conveying installation by way of which the 3D printing rate can be increased and the reliability of transporting a semi-finished product to be processed in an additive manufacturing machine can be improved.

Abstract: For increasing the speed in 3D printing, for avoiding the conveying elements slipping from the conveyed semi-finished product, and for improving the transmission of force from the conveying elements to the semi-finished products to be conveyed, a conveying installation is provided for an additive manufacturing machine. The conveying installation for conveying a semi-finished product comprises a longitudinal conveying mechanism which by means of a periodic movement of at least one conveying element conveys the semi-finished product along a conveying direction which is parallel to the semi-finished product longitudinal axis. The conveying element when moving in the conveying direction acquires the semi-finished product, and when moving counter to the conveying direction is released from the semi-finished product. This results in a movement of the semi-finished product in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A method of using solid profile rods instead of the usual filament coils for additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing for industrial applications such as aircraft manufacturing, and to enable a more rapid production of fiber-composite components. The additive manufacturing device, or the 3D printer which generates the component layer by layer, respectively, comprises a material magazine in which a plurality of profile rods are stored. The profile rods are pre-tailored and are adapted to the component layer by layer. The profile rods, when printing, are successively retrieved from the material magazine and, by way of an infeed installation, guided to the nozzle of the additive manufacturing installation and subsequently applied to the printing bed so as to form the component layer by layer.

Abstract: A 3D printing device includes a printing substrate, a movable printing head configured for additively producing from a modelling material a component on the printing substrate, and a flexible printing space cover which, proceeding from the printing head, spans the printing substrate such that a closed printing space is formed between the printing head and the printing substrate, wherein a printing nozzle of the printing head for applying the modelling material protrudes into the printing space. A support structure of the device includes flexible support rods which run from the printing head to the printing substrate and which hold the printing space cover above the printing substrate.

Abstract: A preform station for forming a flexible semi-finished product and for transforming a flexible semi-finished product into a geometrically stable preform is provided. The preform station comprises a first pin array having a multitude of pins, on which the semi-finished product can be draped. Furthermore, the pins are movable along their longitudinal directions in order to form the flexible semi-finished product. Furthermore, the preform station comprises an activation device for activating a binder of the semi-finished product such that the semi-finished product can be transformed into the geometrically stable preform.

Abstract: A vacuum bagging system for vacuum bagging a fiber-reinforced polymer component for an aircraft or spacecraft includes a vacuum bagging film or membrane which is configured to cover and seal the component during molding. The vacuum bagging film or membrane is pre-formed, e.g. thermoformed, to a shape or to an external geometry of the component to be molded. A method of vacuum bagging a fiber-reinforced polymer component of an aircraft or space-craft, includes the steps of: arranging a component to be molded in a vacuum bagging assembly for forming a fiber-reinforced polymer component; pre-forming a vacuum bagging film or membrane to a shape or external geometry of the component; and arranging the vacuum bagging film or membrane on or over the component in the vacuum bagging assembly such that the film or membrane form-fittingly covers the component.

Abstract: A method for producing a component from a fibre-reinforced plastic includes the steps of providing a moulding tool having a tool surface, positioning a first layer of a textile semifinished product comprising dry fibres on the tool surface, arranging a second layer of an electrically conductive, resin-permeable grid on the first layer, arranging an uppermost arrangement of layers, sealing the arrangement of layers by a closure device to form a mould, introducing resin into the mould for infiltration of all the layers with the resin and curing and removal of the component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laying down device and method for the automated laying down of fiber tapes on a surface, wherein a creel is arranged on an independent positioning device that can be individually traversed in three dimensions, and tracks the movements of a laying head; also disclosed is a laying method.

Abstract: A fiber composite laying device for manufacturing a fiber composite scrim for forming a fiber composite component, includes a laying head, which is configured to supply a fiber composite band continuously in a supply region. A laying roller is configured to receive the fiber composite band from the supply region to unroll it towards a laying surface and to press it onto the laying surface in a laying region. A press is located between the supply region and the laying region and is configured to press the fiber composite band onto the laying roller in a pressing region. A cutter is configured to cut the fiber composite band to length between the supply region and the pressing region.

Abstract: An assembly for producing a fiber composite workpiece having a base tool, including a first tool part and a second tool part, arranged relative to one another either in a closed position in which they enclose an internal space, or in an open position wherein a preform can be mounted in the internal space and maintained there in a predetermined shape. The base tool includes a connection to convey matrix material into the internal space, and has a device for holding the first and second tool parts together in a closed position. A tool insert is provided which is separate from the base tool, the tool insert being mounted in the internal space of the base tool, and the tool insert including a cavity for accommodating a preform and a shaping surface, facing the cavity, for maintaining the preform in a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A material for use in vacuum bagging a component. The material includes a compound sensitive to moisture, such that an exposure of the compound to moisture or wetting causes a physical and/or chemical change in the compound that is visually detectable in the cover material. A method of leak detection during vacuum bagging involves the steps of: arranging a component in a vacuum bagging assembly, such as to form a fiber-reinforced plastic component; arranging a material according to the invention in the vacuum bagging assembly such that the compound sensitive to wetting or moisture is under, or on an inner side of, a sealing film or vacuum bag of the assembly; applying a vacuum to the vacuum bagging assembly to evacuate a space containing the component and sealed by the sealing film or vacuum bag; and wetting an outer surface of the sealing film or vacuum bag.

Abstract: A system for liquid composite molding includes a first rigid tool part onto which a semi-finished fiber material is positioned, a first vacuum foil arrangeable on the first rigid tool part to provide a first gastight chamber therebetween having a first port, a second vacuum foil and the first vacuum foil providing a second gastight chamber, and granulated material arranged in the second gastight chamber. The semi-finished fiber material is infusible with a matrix material via the first port. A second port is provided at the second gastight chamber for applying a negative pressure thereto. Therein, the granulated material is adapted for forming a second rigid tool part when negative pressure is applied to the second port. I.e. the first vacuum foil, the second vacuum foil and the granulated material function similarly to a vacuum mattress and may be stiffened and collapsed.

Abstract: A connecting port arrangement for use in an apparatus for producing a composite material component comprising a base member attached to a surface of a foil adapted to seal a mold of the apparatus for producing a composite material component. The base member is provided with a channel extending therethrough. The connecting port arrangement further comprises a punch member adapted to be inserted into the channel formed in the base member and provided with a cutting device suitable to cut at least one opening into the foil.

Abstract: A flat metallic structure having a multiplicity of openings and having a width between 6 and 1000 mm. The metallic structure is treated with a metallic impregnating material whose melting point is lower than that of the flat metallic structure, and wherein the conductivity of the metal before the impregnation is at least 15 S/m. A use of such a structure as lightning protection for fiber composite components, as well as fiber composite components having such a structure, and a method for the production of such fiber composite components.

Abstract: A fiber composite laying device for manufacturing a fiber composite scrim for forming a fiber composite component, includes a laying head, which is configured to supply a fiber composite band continuously in a supply region. A laying roller is configured to receive the fiber composite band from the supply region to unroll it towards a laying surface and to press it onto the laying surface in a laying region. A press is located between the supply region and the laying region and is configured to press the fiber composite band onto the laying roller in a pressing region. A cutter is configured to cut the fiber composite band to length between the supply region and the pressing region.

Abstract: A vacuum bagging system for vacuum bagging a fiber-reinforced polymer component for an aircraft or spacecraft includes a vacuum bagging film or membrane which is configured to cover and seal the component during molding. The vacuum bagging film or membrane is pre-formed, e.g. thermoformed, to a shape or to an external geometry of the component to be molded. A method of vacuum bagging a fiber-reinforced polymer component of an aircraft or space-craft, includes the steps of: arranging a component to be molded in a vacuum bagging assembly for forming a fiber-reinforced polymer component; pre-forming a vacuum bagging film or membrane to a shape or external geometry of the component; and arranging the vacuum bagging film or membrane on or over the component in the vacuum bagging assembly such that the film or membrane form-fittingly covers the component.