The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) has reached together with its project partners the finals of the renowned JEC WORLD Innovation Award.

Their concept for a new generation of modular thermoplastic stiffening panels for applications within aircrafts was shortlisted in the category “Aerospace Applications”. The panels reduce the overall weight and allow economical manufacturing for high volumes. They can be recycled and exhibit outstanding flame resistance. The modular design of the structure can be flexibly changed according to the overall dimensions and thus airplane types. The underlying laser-transmission-welding process was developed by the LZH and can be easily integrated into process chains.

The stiffener panels were developed in joint effort by Fraunhofer Institut für chemische Technologie (ICT), Airbus Operations GmbH, TenCate Advanced Composites BV (Netherlands), ElringKlinger AG and KMS Automation GmbH within the project „Energieeffiziente Kabinensysteme und Interior“ (KASI). The new stiffener structure is stamp-formed and moulded from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), is assembled to a large grid and then connected to a face shield via laser transmission welding.

The project was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within the civil Federal Aeronautical Research Program.

The JEC WORLD Innovation Award was established in 1998. Its goal is to identify, promote, and reward the most innovative composite solutions worldwide.