The lighter the component, the more expensive - this has long been the motto of manufacturers. The new "xFK in 3D" process technology could now change this. Based on calculation and simulation, fiber composite parts are created using three-dimensional winding. The innovation was demonstrated live for the first time at the "Automotive Industry Lightweight Construction Summit" on March 15, 2016 at the Vogel Convention Center in Würzburg.



The patented "xFK in 3D" process technology describes a process in which fiber-reinforced plastics - such as glass, carbon or basalt fibers - are wound three-dimensionally. The advantage of this is that the fibers are designed to absorb forces and stresses and the material waste is kept to a minimum. "The intelligence of this 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 and host of the live demonstration.



Florian Schek, BMW's head of lightweight construction, opened the event with his keynote speech. In his presentation, he talked about fiber-reinforced plastics and "how carbon is actually changing lightweight construction". Using the body of the current BMW 7 Series as an example, he illustrated the new requirements for lightweight construction, which no longer only aim to reduce weight, but also to integrate functions.



Further information on the event and a picture gallery can be found at www.leichtbau-gipfel.de.



"Automotive Industry " - 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.