Injection molding and fiber composite technology

The BauRein project stands for modular cleanroom system. In the BauRein project, a flexible, modular cleanroom for plastics processing, in particular injection moulding, is being developed. The aim is to create a clean, adaptable environment that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The concept also includes a variable ventilation system for optimal air conditioning. PETEK Reinraumtechnik GmbH, among others, are project partners, and the project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Stephan Puntigam, M.Sc.

The ReProOrgano project involves the development of a process for recycling organic sheet blends with direct implementation in the hybrid component manufacturing process, including additional evaluation. Process development for the recycling of organic sheet blends with direct implementation in the hybrid component manufacturing process with additional evaluation. The project aims to develop a suitable process for implementing these blends as an injection moulding component in the hybrid component process. The aim was to achieve a closed cycle with high added value and high quality of the end result. In particular, the interactions of the material properties, the machine technology and the economic efficiency were examined, taking into account the savings potential through material-efficient manufacturing and processing technologies along the entire process chain.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Sabine Hummel, B.Eng.

The FoWoCo project stands for foamed fibre composites made of wood fibres and biopolymers for technical lightweight applications. The FoWoCo project is researching the development of foamed fibre composites made of wood fibres and bioplastics for lightweight applications. The aim is to reduce the weight of wood-plastic composites in order to create sustainable and efficient materials for technical components, the automotive industry, and the furniture and construction industries. The use of recycled raw materials from the paper and wood industry is being investigated to increase the lightweight potential and marketability of these biocomposites.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Dr Frederik Obermeier

The HTempRe project is developing a cleanroom solution for the particle-free production of thermoplastics at temperatures above 60°C. The aim is to achieve a new air flow in the cleanroom to reduce sterilisation stress by 90% and to develop an innovative machine insulation to reduce energy consumption by 25%. The partners are Kunststoff Christel GmbH and PETEK Reinraumtechnik GmbH.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Stephan Puntigam, M.Sc.

The NaVerPa project stands for the development of a new sustainable material combination and its application for packaging using bioplastics and natural fibres. The NaVerPa project at the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences develops sustainable packaging materials from bio-based plastics and natural fibres such as wood fibres. The aim is to create environmentally friendly packaging with technical and mechanical properties to support the transformation to a bio-based economy. The project is investigating suitable applications, properties and materials, as well as the possibility of additional functions such as scent.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Sebastian Wiedl, MBA & Eng.

The NF-Ripp project is dedicated to the process and material-related research of hybrid composite structures with renewable raw materials in the form of natural and wood fibres. The project investigates hybrid composite structures with natural and wood fibres, particularly for use in the automotive industry. The aim is to improve material properties and reduce emissions. Wood fibres offer advantages such as lower quality and price fluctuations compared to classic natural fibres. The project aims at a resource-efficient production of lightweight products and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Dr.-Ing. Frederik Obermeier

The LaHoCo project stands for the development of the production of wood fibres for use in plastics technology and research into the formation of a composite material made of solid wood decor and polymers. The LaHoCo project develops wood fibre-reinforced polymers and bio-based polymers for sustainable plastics technology. It researches the production of composite materials made of wood and polymers in a one-shot process. The aim is to develop an environmentally friendly extension of existing wood-plastic composites (WPC) with improved mechanical properties. The project promotes the functionalisation of wood surfaces.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Christian Bielenberg, M.Sc.

The project ChemExFoamTPE stands for chemical expansion foaming of TPE. In the project, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) optimised by chemical foaming are developed with improved weight and performance. The aim is to create TPE materials that can be used in industries such as automotive and medical technology. Chemical foaming enables a uniform cell structure and reduces material weight. This achieves a combination of lightness, flexibility and strength. The project is being carried out in cooperation with industrial partners.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Markus Zillmer, M.Sc.

The LWC project is developing a new fibre composite material with long wood fibres for manufacturing components with glass fibre composite properties using the injection moulding process. The project aims to optimise the defibration of wood into wood fibres so that they resemble conventionally used glass fibres in their form. The project also aims to effectively integrate these wood fibres into plastic matrix systems and to achieve the composite properties of a PP-GF in the long term. The developed material should offer companies an alternative to sustainable fibre composite materials.

Contact: Sebastian Wiedl, MBA & Eng.

The QuaProDur project stands for quality-optimised production of duromers. The QuaProDur project at the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences focuses on research and improvement in the production of duromer moulding compounds. The aim is to expand knowledge about the material properties of duromers in order to produce high-quality components economically. The innovation lies in the development of a process understanding that enables the efficient use of thermosets, particularly in the automotive and electrical engineering industries.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Markus Zillmer, M.Sc.

The NaVeWeLe project stands for sustainable processes and materials for lightweight construction. The NaVeWeLe project at the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences is developing sustainable processes and materials for lightweight construction. The aim is to develop resource-saving hybrid materials and processes to increase energy efficiency and competitiveness in sectors such as the automotive and construction industries. The focus is on wood fibre-based materials and the integration of sustainable raw materials. The project runs from 2018 to 2022 and is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Peter Karlinger

The Organo-Ripp project is investigating how to improve the bond between organic sheets and injection-moulded reinforcing ribs in lightweight construction. Contour-adaptive, variothermal tempering optimises the bond, which in turn leads to shorter cycle times and increased process efficiency. The objectives are to develop design guidelines and to evaluate the main factors influencing the bond. The project ran from 2015 to 2017 and was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Sabine Hummel, B.Eng.

The large-scale project MuNaCu stands for Multifunctional Natural Fibre Plastic Composites. The ‘MUNACU’ project at the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, researched the development of multifunctional natural fibre plastic composites. With funding of 2.5 million euros, a facility was set up to develop resource-saving materials for areas such as vehicle construction and furniture making. The aim was to develop sustainable alternatives to energy- and cost-intensive materials such as carbon or glass fibres.

Further information can be found on the project's own website.

Contact: Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Peter Karlinger

The thesis investigates the changes in the properties of cellulose fibre-reinforced polypropylene due to the use of flame retardants. The central tasks are the identification of a sustainable flame retardant, the analysis of the influence of filler content, particle size and processing, and the determination of achievable flame retardancy classes. The work includes a literature review and working in an interdisciplinary team. The thesis is part of the research project Climate-Resilient Bioeconomy in the Value Chain of Wood and Other Renewable Raw Materials.

Contact: Sebastian Wiedl, MBA & Eng.

The thesis deals with the development, programming and implementation of a powder dosing system for thermoplastic polymer powder. The aim is to design a system that enables precise dosing of the powder and offers a user-friendly interface. This supports the project ‘Wood-based Bioeconomy’, which aims to produce sustainable fibre composites. The tasks include selecting a suitable system, adapting the powder application and designing the user interface. An iterative approach and working in an interdisciplinary team are required. Interest in mechanical engineering and mechatronics as well as practical experimental experience are prerequisites. The thesis is part of the research project Process and Plant Technology for the Multifunctional Impregnation of Flat Fibre Semi-Finished Products Made of Renewable Raw Materials.

Contact: Sebastian Wiedl, MBA & Eng.

The thesis investigates the changes in the properties of cellulose fibres during the thermoplastic processing. Since the thermoplastic processing exerts high mechanical and thermal stresses on the material, and since cellulose fibres are particularly sensitive to these stresses, changes in properties are unavoidable. The aim of the work is to better understand, predict and control these changes. The main objectives of the work are to research the current state of research on the effect of mechanical and thermal stresses on cellulose fibres and to identify the effects of temperature and shear forces during processing. The tasks include a comprehensive literature review, the identification of significant changes in fibre properties and the analysis of the causes. An interest in plastics processing and practical experience are advantageous. The thesis is part of the research project

Climate-resilient bioeconomy in the value chain of wood and other renewable raw

Contact: Sebastian Wiedl, MBA & Eng.

Modern injection moulding tools, which consist of multi-material composites such as copper and steel, offer the potential for improved heat dissipation and thus shorter cycle times in production. The use of metal powder application (MPA) to manufacture these tools can lead to the realisation of innovative cooling concepts that could lead to greater efficiency. The aim of the thesis is to investigate the effects of these multi-material inserts on the energy consumption of the injection moulding machine and peripheral devices. The energy requirement per moulded part for conventionally cooled tools is to be compared with the energy requirement per moulded part for multi-material inserts in order to identify possible energy savings and efficiency gains. The work will be carried out in close cooperation with an industrial partner. The thesis is part of the research project

Investigation of powder bed-based melting of injection moulding tool inserts with a focus on innovative cooling geometries, new simulation approaches and novel post-processing methods for the targeted adjustment of moulded part properties in optics injection moulding.

Contact: Merlin Gebhart M.Eng. , Stephan Puntigam M.Sc.

The thesis examines various comminution methods for thermoplastic and duroplastic natural fibre-reinforced plastics with the aim of reusing them for plastic processing technologies. The central tasks are to analyse the influence of different comminution methods on material properties, to optimise the particle size for different processing technologies and to evaluate the process stability and reusability of the materials. The work includes a literature review and working in an interdisciplinary team. The thesis is part of the research project Climate-Resilient Bioeconomy in the Value Chain of Wood and Other Renewable Resources.

Contact: Sebastian Wiedl, MBA & Eng.

The thesis examines the changes in the fibre properties of wood and cellulose fibres along the process chain from compounding to injection moulding. The focus is on the analysis of fibre length, fibre distribution and other relevant properties. The aim is to evaluate the influence of the process steps on the material properties and to identify optimisation potential for the use in plastic applications. The thesis is part of the research project Process and Plant Technology for the Multifunctional Impregnation of Flat Fibre Semi-Finished Products Made of Renewable Raw Materials.

Contact: Sebastian Wiedl, MBA & Eng.

• Wiedl, S., Obermeier, F., Karlinger, P. u. Müller, N.: Holzbasierte Bioökonomie und Kunststofftechnik. Nachwachsende Rohstoffe für technische Bauteile. In: VDI Wissensforum GmbH (Hrsg.): PIAE Europe 2024, VDI-Berichte Nr. 2435. Düsseldorf: VDI Verlag GmbH 2024, S. 413–427
• Hummel, S., Pscherer, T., Würtele, M. u. Krommes, S. (Hrsg.): Organoblech-Verschnitte – Ist Closed-Loop Recycling eine Alternative?, VDI-Berichte Nr. 2435, 2024
• Wiedl, S., Karlinger, P., Müller, N. u. Ruckdäschel, H.: Cellulosefaserverstärktes Polypropylen - Eigenschaftsbeeinflussung durch die Schmelzeaufbereitung. In: Seefried, A., Stommel, M. u. Wolff, T. (Hrsg.): Technomer 2023. 28. Fachtagung über Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren. Chemnitz: Technische Universität Chemnitz 2023, S. 46
• Puntigam, S. u. Karlinger, P.: Spritzgusswerkzeuge im Reinraum. Eine Analyse des Kamineffekts in der Kunststoffverarbeitung. cleanroom & processes 2 (2023) 3, S. 110–116
• Puntigam, S. u. Karlinger, P.: Energiebilanzierung von Spritzgussmaschinen zur Bestimmung der Wärmeabgabe an die Umgebung. In: Seefried, A., Stommel, M. u. Wolff, T. (Hrsg.): Technomer 2023. 28. Fachtagung über Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren. Chemnitz: Technische Universität Chemnitz 2023, S. 18
• Hummel, S., Würtele, M., Krommes, S. u. Karlinger, P.: ReProOrgano - Recycling von Organoblech-Verschnitten mit direkter Implementierung in den Hybridbauteil-Fertigungsprozess. In: Seefried, A., Stommel, M. u. Wolff, T. (Hrsg.): Technomer 2023. 28. Fachtagung über Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren. Chemnitz: Technische Universität Chemnitz 2023, S. 1–14
• Wiedl, S., Karlinger, P., Schemme, M., List, M. u. Ruckdäschel, H.: Comparison of Melting Processes for WPC and the Resulting Differences in Thermal Damage, Emissions and Mechanics. Materials 15 (2022) 9
• Obermeier, F., Karlinger, P., Schemme, M. u. Altstädt, V.: Thermoplastic Hybrid Composites with Wood Fibers: Bond Strength of Back-Injected Structures. Materials 15 (2022) 7
• Hummel, S., Obermeier, K., Zier, K., Krommes, S., Schemme, M. u. Karlinger, P.: Analysis of Mechanical Properties Related to Fiber Length of Closed-Loop-Recycled Offcuts of a Thermoplastic Fiber Composites (Organo Sheets). Materials 15 (2022) 11, S. 3872
• Obermeier, F., Schumacher, M., Barth, S., Karlinger, P., Schemme, M. u. Altstädt, V.: Verstärkung von Polypropylen mit Holzfasern durch Direkt-Compoundierung. Zeitschrift Kunststofftechnik 2021 (2021) 2, S. 87–111
• Hummel, S., Obermeier, K., Zier, K., Schemme, M., Krommes, S. u. Karlinger, P.: Closed-Loop Recycling von Organoblechen im Hybridverbund - Technische, wirtschaftliche und ökologische Betrachtung. In: Gehde, M., Wagenknecht, U. u. Bloß, P. (Hrsg.): Technomer 2021. 27. Fachtagung über Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren. Chemnitz: Technische Universität Chemnitz 2021, S. 1–12
• Wiedl, S., Karlinger, P., Schemme, M. u. List, M.: Vergleich von unterschiedlichen Aufschmelzverfahren und die daraus resultierenden Eigenschaften für WPC-Spritzgussteile. In: Gehde, M., Wagenknecht, U. u. Bloß, P. (Hrsg.): Technomer 2021. 27. Fachtagung über Verarbeitung und Anwendung von Polymeren. Chemnitz: Technische Universität Chemnitz 2021, S. 34

• Hummel, S., Peter Karlinger, Krommes, S. u. Würtele, M.: Closed-Loop Recycling von Organoblech-Verschnitten mit direkter Implementierung in den Fertigungsprozess. 13. Werkstoff-Seminar. Rothenburg ob der Tauber 2024
• Wiedl, S., Obermeier, F., Karlinger, P. u. Müller, N.: Holzbasierte Bioökonomie und Kunststofftechnik. Nachwachsende Rohstoffe für technische Bauteile. PIAE Europe 2024. Mannheim 2024
• Hummel, S., Würtele, M. u. Krommes, S.: Recycling von Organoblech-Verschnitten mit direkter Implementierung in den Hybridbauteil-Fertigungsprozess. 1. Rosenheimer Kunststoffkolloquium. Rosenheim 2024
• Wiedl, S., Karlinger, P., Müller, N. u. Ruckdäschel, H.: Cellulosefaserverstärktes Polypropylen – Eigenschaftsbeeinflussung durch die Schmelzeaufbereitung. 28. Technomer 2023. Chemnitz 2023
• Hummel, S., Würtele, M., Krommes, S. u. Karlinger, P.: ReProOrgano - Recycling von Organoblech-Verschnitten mit direkter Implementierung in den Hybridbauteil-Fertigungsprozess. Chemnitz 2023
• Puntigam, S.: Energiebilanzierung von Spritzgussmaschinen zur Bestimmung der Wärmeabgabe an die Umgebung. 28. Technomer 2023. Chemnitz 2023
• Obermeier, F.: Verbundhaftung von thermoplastischen Hybridverbunden mit Natur- und Holzfaserverstärkung. 27. Technomer 2021. Chemnitz 2021
• Obermeier, F., Schumacher, M., Barth, S., Karlinger, P., Schemme, M. u. Michanickl, A.: Thermoplastische Holzfaservliese für Hybridverbunde. 13. Holzwerkstoffkolloquium. Dresden 2019
• Obermeier, F.: Thermoplastische Hybridverbunde mit Holzfaserverstärkung. 26. Technomer 2019. Chemnitz 2019