Carbon composites in mechanical engineering
Lightweight reinforcements for machine builders and OEMs: load path-oriented carbon preforms, manufactured close to the final contour and can be integrated reliably.
Reinforce your composite materials in a customized way.
✓ With the perfect combination of lightness, strength and precision
✓ economical
✓ for complex geometries.
For developers, designers and series manufacturers who want to specifically reinforce composite materials.
Targeted reinforcement of your fiber composites from TFP Technology
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP): Technology
TFP Technology specializes in an innovative type of near-net-shape fiber laying using CNC embroidery machines.
With this technology, different types of fibers, such as carbon, aramid, glass or natural fibers, are precisely placed and stitched onto carrier materials. This technology enables the production of composite materials and semi-finished products in large quantities and with exact reproducibility – from prototypes to individual and serial production.
Tailored fiber placement (TFP) optimizes the fiber orientation according to the force curves and enables tailor-made reinforcement of composite materials. The targeted fiber placement leads to an optimization of the mechanical properties and enables a more efficient use of material. TFP is particularly advantageous for applications that require a combination of lightness, strength and precision, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Targeted reinforcement through tailored fiber placement
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) enables targeted fiber reinforcement in which fibers are placed precisely along the load paths and only reinforce the component where it is structurally necessary.
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) is a technology for manufacturing semi-finished textile products from fiber strands. Alternatively, this process is also known as roving laying.
Our CNC embroidery machines lay fiber strands (also known as rovings) made of carbon, glass fiber, aramid and other fibers onto flexible carrier materials.
We align the fiber orientation individually to the force curves in your product.
Between the stitches, the embroidery machines move the carrier material and embroider the fibers in the optimum fiber orientation.
We can also easily integrate functional threads for sensors, wires or heating strands or heating conductors in any shape into your fiber preforms during fiber laying.
We show how tailored fiber placement is used for carbon preforms, particularly in mechanical engineering, using specific applications and design principles in our technical article Targeted carbon reinforcements in mechanical engineering with tailored fiber placement
HV-TFP: High Volume TFP
High Volume TFP (HV-TFP) is a further development of fiber laying in which two fiber strands are placed simultaneously. This doubles the laying rate with the same number of stitches and enables shorter running times. In addition, the HV-TFP process allows two different fiber types to be laid simultaneously, for example carbon fiber together with glass fiber.
HV-TFP combines the advantages of precise fiber placement with faster and more efficient production.
Tailored Fiber Placement offers you
Optimal fiber orientation
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) enables targeted fiber reinforcement in which fibers are placed precisely along the load paths and only reinforce the component where it is structurally necessary.
In the TFP process, the fibers are aligned precisely along the main load paths of the component. This is particularly important because the strength and stiffness of composites depend heavily on the direction of the fibers. The precise alignment of the fibers significantly improves the mechanical properties of the component.
Adaptability & flexibility
TFP makes it possible to combine different fiber types (such as carbon fiber, glass fiber or aramid) in a single component. In addition, the fiber density can be varied in different areas of the component to create localized reinforcements where they are needed most.
Weight reduction
As the fibers are only placed where they are needed, the overall weight of the component can be reduced compared to traditional production methods. This is particularly advantageous in sectors where weight saving plays an important role, for example in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Complex geometries
TFP can be used to create complex geometric shapes that would be difficult to produce using conventional methods. This opens up new possibilities in the design freedom and functionality of components.
Quality and reliability
The precise control over fiber placement leads to a more consistent quality and higher reliability of the components. This is particularly important in applications where safety and durability are crucial.
Reproducibility
The preforms can be reproduced as often as required while maintaining the same quality and performance. This decisive advantage is guaranteed by TFP technology using CNC embroidery machines.
No matter what challenge you are currently facing with your product or component, let us work together to find a way to achieve optimum reinforcement.
Our cutting technologies for your fiber preforms
State-of-the-art laser cutting systems and CNC cutters ensure optimum and efficient cutting of the manufactured elements. Our ultra-modern and precise cutting units are supported by advanced camera systems and bring specific advantages for your products.
The laser cut welds the edges and prevents the technical textiles from fraying or unraveling.
The CNC cutter is better suited for more heat-sensitive fabrics. It cuts the semi-finished products mechanically and does not subject the material to any thermal stress.
With our wide range of cutting technologies, we can react flexibly to a wide variety of materials. Whether it’s conventional fiber textiles, films, composite materials with self-adhesive film laminated by us or special high-performance textiles – our systems are equipped for every challenge.
Tailored fiber placement from the manufacturer
- Do you want to make your plastic component or product stronger,lighter and more efficient ?
- Are you looking for a manufacturer who will work with you to develop a customized fiber reinforcement that flexibly strengthens your component exactly where you need structural performance the most?
- Are you looking for a manufacturer that offers everything from a single source, from the idea to the prototype to serial production?
Get in touch with us! We look forward to your idea or challenge!
How your semi-finished products are made at TFP Technology
- Joint development of a layout for the fiber preforms, heating elements or textile sensors using tailored fiber placement
- Selection of suitable fibers, fiber combinations and carrier material
- Creation of CAD data on the PC
- Production of a sample
- Test the sample in your further processing
- Optimization or release for production
- Serial production of your semi-finished products in small or large batches at the Falkenstein/Vogtland site
No matter what challenge you are currently facing with your product or component, let us work together to find a way to integrate innovative functions.
Frequently asked questions about Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) is a manufacturing process that requires explanation and in which technical, economic and process-related aspects are closely interlinked. The following answers provide a compact overview of the possible applications, series production capability and integration of Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) in industrial applications and support you in the evaluation of your component or product.
What is Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)?
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) is an automated manufacturing process in which fiber strands such as carbon, glass or aramid are stitched onto a carrier material with CNC support. The fiber orientation is precisely adapted to the actual load paths of the component. This results in textile fiber preforms for targeted fiber reinforcement, in which material is only used where it is needed to absorb forces. TFP Technology uses Tailored Fiber Placement specifically for industrial applications in series production.
For which applications is Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) particularly suitable?
Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) is suitable wherever components need to be specifically reinforced, weight reduced or functions integrated. Typical applications can be found in mechanical and plant engineering, the automotive industry, aerospace and construction. Tailored Fiber Placement is particularly advantageous wherever local fiber reinforcement is required to increase rigidity and load-bearing capacity while reducing weight. TFP Technology develops fiber preforms individually tailored to the respective product.
Is Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) suitable for series production?
Yes, Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) can be fully automated and is therefore designed for series processes. The CNC-supported fiber placement ensures consistent quality across large quantities. Depending on the component, both small and large series can be produced economically. TFP Technology produces fiber preforms from functional samples to industrial series.
At what quantities does Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) make economic sense?
The cost-effectiveness of Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) depends on component geometry, material usage and functional integration. TFP can be cost-effective even for small series if material savings, weight reduction or functional integration offer added value in terms of design. In series production, Tailored Fiber Placement shows its advantages particularly through short set-up times and high reproducibility. TFP Technology provides support in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the respective application.
Which fibers can be processed with Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)?
With Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP), different fiber types can be processed and combined, including carbon, glass and aramid fibers as well as hybrid structures. Different fiber densities within a component are also possible. This allows locally targeted reinforcements to be implemented. TFP Technology selects fibers and carrier materials to suit the subsequent processing and load situation.
Can TFP preforms be integrated into existing production processes?
TFP preforms made from Tailored Fiber Placement are manufactured close to the final contour and can be integrated directly into common composite processes, such as RTM, vacuum infusion, thermoplastic consolidation or hybrid processes with metal and plastic. Cutting or post-processing is generally not required. This facilitates integration into existing production lines. TFP Technology develops the preforms specifically with the subsequent process in mind.
How does Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) differ from fabrics or UD tapes?
In contrast to classic fabrics or UD tapes, the fiber orientation can be freely defined with Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP). The fibers follow the calculated force curves in the component exactly. This means that material is used more efficiently and oversizing is avoided. Tailored Fiber Placement enables fiber reinforcement in line with the load path, which is only possible to a limited extent with flat fabrics or unidirectional tapes. TFP Technology uses this principle specifically for demanding industrial applications.
Can functions such as heating or sensor technology also be integrated with Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP)?
Yes, with Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP), functional threads such as heating conductors, wires or sensor elements can be integrated directly into the fiber preforms. This creates functional composite structures without additional assembly steps. Fiber reinforcement and additional functions can be combined in a single production step, which is particularly relevant for smart composites and function-integrated components. TFP Technology combines fiber reinforcement, heating elements and sensor technology in a single production process.
- Do you want to make your plastic component or product stronger,lighter and more efficient ?
- Are you looking for a manufacturer who will work with you to develop a customized fiber reinforcement that flexibly strengthens your component exactly where you need structural performance the most?
This is our area of expertise – from the idea to serial production.
- Do you need a heating function in order to integrate it seamlessly and homogeneously into your fiber composite component or plastic product?
- Does your heating element need to be particularly flexible and resistant ?
- Are you looking for a manufacturer who can implement the layout, size and heat output exactly to your requirements?
We know a lot about it – from the idea to serial production.
- Do you want to add necessary or additional functions to your fiber composite component?
- Are you looking for a manufacturer that seamlessly integrates functional threads for damage sensing, measurement data acquisition, data transmission and more into your component as a sensor mat or fiber preform?
This is what we specialize in – from the idea to serial production.
Would you like to find out more about Tailored Fiber Placement?
Fiber preforms for carbon concrete and carbon reinforcement
Individual carbon reinforcement as an alternative to steel: preforms to match the component geometry for carbon concrete applications.
Fiber preforms for wing foils: High strength, lightweight, and precision manufactured with Tailored Fiber Placement
High-strength and lightweight: carbon preforms made of TFP for foils, boards and components with high loads and low weight.
Preforms with ceramic fibers for high-temperature applications
Preforms for extreme temperatures and demanding geometries: ceramic fiber-based reinforcements precisely manufactured with TFP.
Fiber preforms for carbon ship propellers
Implementing complex geometries economically: near-net-shape preforms for corrosion-resistant carbon propellers.
Fiber preforms with carbon for UAVs and drones for industry
Reducing weight and specifically reinforcing structural components: carbon preforms made from TFP for robust, reproducible UAV components.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Instagram. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information