Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie e.V.

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High-performance composite technology
Development, design and manufacture of high-performance composite structures for the aerospace industry, the transport industry and high-tech medical equipment. Materials such as CFRP, GFRP and aramid are processed using state-of-the-art technologies. Advanced technologies are used in the manufacture of integral components:

CFRP pressure pad technology, for stringer-reinforced panels, such as those used in aircraft landing flaps or elevator and rudder skins.

Aluminium core technology, for integrating ribs and stringers into components with undercuts.

Soft core technology, for assemblies made of lowviscosity, high-temperature resin systems.

Filament winding technology, for the manufacture of protective coatings for satellite panels requiring high precision / small tolerances (± 0.01mm) at connection points.

Development and design
Group-wide, the GKN development organisation comprises more than 700 engineers around the globe. Our Munich-based team of highly-skilled and experienced engineers have been certified by our customers. Our manufacturing systems are fully integrated into CATIA (up to and including V5). Development, design and manufacturing development are all integrated processes. Approvals include:

Airbus QSF-C and MRB approvals

ISO EN 9100 certification

A sister company in the United Kingdom offers the entire spectrum of UKAS-approved test capabilities and facilities.

Moulds, jigs and fixtures
Development, design and manufacture of long-lasting, high-precision moulds, gauges and fixtures. Moulds are fashioned from various materials, including fibre-reinforced composites, light metal and steel.

Machinery, plant and test rigs
We have 10 000 m2 of clean room facilities, 5 autoclaves for components up to 14 m long and 3.5 m in diameter, high-pressure water jet cutting machines and large-scale 5-axis CNC machines capable of processing components up to 19 m long and 2.5 m wide. These facilities are complemented by two tape layers, two prepreg cutters and laser beam emitters for precise positioning. We also have an air-conditioned measuring room containing CNC-controlled measuring machines, an ultrasonic test facility for pieces up to 12 m long, 2 m wide and 2.2 m high, an X-ray machine for components up to 11 m long, 3 m wide and 2 m high, and material test facilities for material analysis, strength testing and tensile/pressure testing.