Ajinkya Pawar automates the production of foam composites at IRDL for aerospace and wind energy

Ajinkya Pawar, from the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, has developed an automation method for the production of foam composites, reducing the density from 1003 kg/m3 to 287 kg/m3. This innovation, supported by validated results in 2023, opens significant prospects for the aerospace and wind energy industries in Benin.

Research on foam composites through additive manufacturing, conducted by Ajinkya Pawar at IRDL, aims to address the complexity of current manufacturing processes. These processes, often manual and costly, hinder efficiency in key sectors such as aerospace and wind energy. The proposed automation could transform production by increasing precision and reducing downtime.

The results of the thesis show an initial density of 1003 kg/m3 for the NFE06 filament, reduced to 287 kg/m3 after thermal treatment at 250 °C. Additionally, the maximum thickness of the printed samples reaches 4.07 mm. These figures illustrate how automation allows for the design of lightweight structures while maintaining their strength, thus meeting industry requirements.

The automation of foam composite manufacturing represents a strategic opportunity for decision-makers. By reducing production costs and improving performance, this innovation could transform industrial practices. Industry players should consider collaborations to develop suitable printing technologies and capitalize on this advancement.

« « Thanks to our method, we have managed to reduce the density of the composites from 1003 kg/m3 to 287 kg/m3, which could transform manufacturing processes in aerospace and wind energy. » - Ajinkya Pawar »

« « Access to this research opens new perspectives for decision-makers, allowing them to better understand the challenges of automation in the foam composites industry. » - Lektaris Team »