Another project granted

The research project “Roll-formed closed profiles made of high-strength aluminum alloys for semi-finished products and complex component geometries (high-strength Al profile components)” submitted within the European Research Association for Sheet Metal Working (EFB) has been granted for the LFT. The two-year project is funded by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

The aim in the research project is to develop a cost-effective and scalable process chain for the production of aluminum profiles by roll forming and HFI welding, with optional further processing by hydroforming. Experience gained from extrusion processing is being transferred to sheet metal structures in order to reduce costs. The study examines how welding and hydroforming are influenced by profile geometry and material condition. The focus is on analyzing material and weld seam properties and their formability. Tube expansion tests provide material parameters for numerical simulations (FE models), which enable realistic representation of the processes. A digital twin supports the identification of correlations between process parameters and component properties. The aim is to determine a robust process window and to evaluate the economic and ecological efficiency of the new process chain.

The scientific work on the project is being carried out in close cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU Chemnitz) and the Chair of Forming and Joining (UFF Chemnitz). The focus is on the industrial benefits of the research results, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, which are therefore specifically involved as active project partners.

We look forward to the results that will be developed together with our partners in the cooperation project. The LFT is still looking for motivated scientific assistants who would like to get involved in this or other exciting projects.