HELD supports RWTH Aachen University's NatureDeepDraw research project
The NatureDeepDraw research project focuses on the development of natural fiber-reinforced organo sheets for the vacuum deep-drawing process. The aim is to develop natural fiber fabrics or nonwoven structures that can be combined with thermoplastic matrix systems (e.g., PP, PLA, PA). Agata Ryżewska and Paul Zachäus from theITA Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen visited Held Technologie GmbH to develop and test the material.
100 organosheets in one single day
Organic sheets consist of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic matrices (e.g., PA6, PP, PEEK). They can be heated and reshaped, making them suitable for use as semi-finished products in automotive engineering or lightweight construction applications. With the support of Dr. Marcel Eberbach from Held, around 100 organic sheets were produced from various flat textiles in one single day. Flat textiles are made from the fibers of the flax plant and are also known as linen. They are among the oldest textile fibers in the world. They are characterized by high tear resistance, durability and a cooling effect due to good moisture absorption. The process parameters (temperature, pressure, speed) were adjusted several times to define ideal production conditions. High quality protects the material from breaking the natural fibers during forming.
Sustainable, lightweight, and dimensionally stable components made from bio-based materials as an alternative to glass fiber reinforced plastics
Organic sheets are fiber-reinforced thermoplastics that are supplied as flat semi-finished products and can then be thermally formed. In NatureDeepDraw, the fibers are not made of glass or carbon, but of renewable natural fibers (e.g., flax, hemp, jute). They are anisotropic (direction-sensitive) and more sensitive to temperature and moisture. The vacuum thermoforming process must therefore be finely tuned to avoid material breakage and wrinkling. Held is proud to be a cooperation partner for this exciting project and looks forward to the further development of natural fibers.
Special thanks go to the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, the Deutsche Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt, and the project committee. The organic sheets were manufactured as part of an IGF program.