Augsburg, 25 February 2009 (pm|dg) – The award presented by the automotive industry to KUKA Systems last summer for its new and highly flexible welding process for fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) is now followed by a further trophy: the international industry association JEC Composites is to honor the Augsburg-based company with its Innovation Award 2009 in the category of Automation for the process developed under the leadership of KUKA Systems.
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This new technology enables the welding of complex 3D components made of fiber-reinforced plastics. It also features a new variant of induction welding which now makes it possible to join even metals and FRP. This technology is characterized by high flexibility, low capital outlay and subsequent separability of the joined parts. Furthermore, the use of industrial robots and handling devices ensures a high quality level that is also reproducible. Overall, this process contributes to the reduction of production costs.
Possible applications of the new technology are above all in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
“We are delighted to receive this award and are proud that our new development has been recognized throughout the industry”, said Dr. Stefan Soehn, President and CEO of KUKA Systems. “It underscores our expertise and market leadership in the welding of fiber-reinforced plastic composites and recognizes our commitment to the research and development of efficient and environmentally friendly production processes.”
This new welding process is the result of a project supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of its “Research for tomorrow’s production” initiative. Under the project leadership of Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, the partner companies Bond-Laminates GmbH in Brilon, Institut fuer Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH in Kaiserslautern, Jacob Composites GmbH in Wilhelmsdorf, KUKA Systems GmbH in Augsburg and the Department of Production Engineering and Plant Organization at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern presented their results for the first time in November 2006, for which they have already won numerous awards.
JEC Composites is an international association dedicated to promoting the development and use of plastic composites (www.jeccomposites.com). It connects researchers, manufacturers and users of these modern materials, facilitating the creation of new products and services in this sector. The annual JEC Show is the largest industry event for fiber-reinforced plastics and will be held this year in Paris from 24 to 26 March.
KUKA Systems GmbH can be found at JEC Composites 2009 in Paris from 24 to 26 March 2009 in Hall 1, Booth no. J14.
At this year’s booth, KUKA Systems is focusing on automated production in the aerospace sector and on the processing of CFRP and other composites.
Further information is available at www.kuka-systems.com
KUKA Systems
KUKA Systems is an international supplier of flexible robot-based automation systems for the automotive, aerospace, energy and general industries. Some 3,780 employees worldwide work on ideas, concepts and solutions for automated production and the provision of products and services for virtually all tasks in the industrial processing of metallic and non-metallic materials.
The range is presented and marketed internationally via the subsidiaries and sales offices in Europe, America and Asia.
KUKA Systems recorded an order volume of around 855 million Euro for the 2008 business year.
Further information:
KUKA Systems GmbH
Marketing / Corporate Communication
Markus Meier
Tel. +49 821 797-2483
Fax +49 821 797-1951
e-mail markus.meier@kuka.de
