A low energy balance of future automobiles - whether combustion or electric vehicles - will depend above all on effective, systemic lightweight construction with new structural and independent frame concepts. The lighter the component, the more expensive - this has been the manufacturers' motto to date. The new "xFK in 3D" process technology could now change this. Based on calculation and simulation, this process creates structural components from fiber-reinforced plastics - such as carbon, glass or natural fibers - by means of three-dimensional winding.



"The intelligence of the process lies in the fact that we place the material exactly where we need it - and only where we need it," explains Rainer Kurek, head of technology consultancy AMC. In addition to reducing waste, the process also promises comparatively simple and inexpensive production. Initial tests for motorsport applications are promising, and the next step is to transfer the process from prototype construction to (micro) series production.



The current issue of the specialist magazine "Automobil Industrie" sheds light on the patent-pending process technology in terms of its opportunities and weaknesses. "With xFK in 3D, you can, or rather must, work with fiber composites. The value chain is extremely short and very lean, because the fibers are reproducibly ideally positioned in the direction of tension, and only those fibers are used that have to transmit forces in the component," explains Dr. Lars Herbeck, Managing Director of Voith Composites.



A free press copy of the current October issue of

"Automobil Industrie" with the cover story "Lightweight is also affordable" and the enclosed special "Motorsport Engineering" can be ordered from: pressestelle@vogel.de



"Automobil Industrie " - The whole world of mobility. "Automobil Industrie" is the trade magazine at the interface between technology and business. The focus is on technology and production, lightweight construction and materials as well as information technologies. The megatopics surrounding mobility also feature prominently in the magazine. News from the industry can be found at www.automobil-industrie.de and in the daily newsletter.

The parent company Vogel Business Media is Germany's largest trade media company with 100+ trade journals, 100+ web portals, 100+ business events as well as numerous mobile offerings and international activities. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. The company celebrates its 125th birthday in 2016.