The radius pultrusion has the potential for major weight reductions in several technical applications and with Thomas GmbH’s pultrusion, curved profiles in almost any radii can be manufactured in a continuous process in up to three dimensions.
Managing Director Dr Jansen, says: “Th Radius-Pultrusion™ enabled us to jump one dimension- now it is possible to lay out pultruded profiles in three dimensions. The technical value for a lot of applications lies mainly in the potential of weight reduction and saving of primary energy. As an example profiles for automotive technology include beams, roof racks and spiral springs. Theoretically there are no longer limitations to radii, lead and profile design with the unique prospect on discontinuous curves.”
The radius pultrusion process can be applied to automotive, aircraft, structural, architectural and furniture applications, and allows curved as well as straight profiles in projects.
Examples include:
- Half circle or circle shaped beams of carbon aircraft bodies;
- Construction and components in the automotive industry;
- Energy saving windows;
- In civil engineering, the process can be applied to the production of bridge beams, supply pipes, tan containers, etc. Flexible and translucent profiles can be manufactured continuously.
The Hermes Award, which is worth €100 000, pay tribute to worldwide pioneering development work. This year’s award went to Voith Turbo Wind company.