Successful workshop on lightweight construction 07 March 2018

Ensuring competitiveness is one of the primary goals for companies, and Lohmann is no exception. Therefore, the company based in Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate, has now organised a joint event with the Transfer Initiative RLP, which promotes companies in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Under the motto of “Lightweight Construction” representatives of a variety of private companies, the Max Plank Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz and the Technical University of Kaiserslautern met at the Lohmann TEC Center to discuss possible joint projects.

The ten external participants from the field of fiber composites and the “Bonding Engineers” from Lohmann got to know each other better during a joint workshop on “Lightweight Construction” in the company's own Bonding Arena® at the Technology Center Neuwied.

Lightweight construction and new materials is one of three thematic areas that are primarily covered by the Transfer Initiative RLP. After all, the industry is increasingly faced with the challenge of producing highly complex parts and components that are considerably lighter and at the same time are more resilient than to date. For this purpose, new approaches must be taken in materials research and design in order to develop new materials that are in addition sustainable. This applies for example, to vehicle construction, but also to machine construction and plant engineering. This requires excellent partners who can face the challenges from the industry.

Lohmann is such a partner. The reactive, partially structural adhesive films of the ‘Bonding Engineers’, the DuploTEC® SBF range, are the ideal solution for the industrial problems. This was also recognised by the other participants during the workshop. For example, a return visit and a joint project with the well-known manufacturer of components for motorsports, ‘capricorn composite’, are already in progress. For the Hannover Messe in April 2018, the companies are planning joint appearances and mutual marketing instruments.

But the technical textiles sector is also gaining momentum as a result of the event. Many points of contact exist in this area with companies such as ‘A + Composites’, who are particularly active in the field of fiber composites. Further topics for the future, on which Lohmann would like to continue to work, include recycling or splicing. Interesting contacts were also made in this area. Further appointments are now planned with the Rhineland-Palatinate companies in order to further strengthen the collaboration in the network and to generate new projects.

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.