Research & Development

2020-04-02

Production of complex curved pipe structures using the multi-filament winding process

The cost-effective and productive manufacture of fibre-reinforced pipe components (pipeline) represents a major challenge for many applications. The multi-filament winding process enables the processing of a large number of fibre rovings simultaneously, which significantly increases productivity in the manufacture of rotationally symmetric components.

In close cooperation with Murata Machinery Ldt. from Japan, the multi-filament winding machine located at the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University, short ITA, has been further developed. By extending the machine axes to a total of three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom, it is now possible to produce even complex curved pipe structures using the multi-filament winding process.

In addition to pipe systems and pipelines for hydrogen logistics, the process offers further versatile areas of application. For example, low-cost structural components for the automotive and aviation sectors can also be wound.