Pultrusion – an automated manufacturing process for fibre-reinforced plastics – benefits particularly from digitalization. Digital technologies can be used to make all process steps more efficient, from simulation and work preparation to system set-up and quality assurance.
- In work preparation, digitalization enables more efficient production planning, for example through digital tools for assembly planning, material management and project coordination. This minimizes delays and optimizes the use of resources.
- Simulation and FEM (finite element method) are indispensable in pultrusion for the virtual design and testing of components and processes. This allows design decisions to be validated at an early stage, material properties to be optimized and potential sources of error to be identified.
- When setting up the systems, digital technology, such as augmented reality or a digital twin of the pultrusion system, helps to ensure the exact positioning of tools, fibers and textile guides. This enables significant increases in efficiency to be implemented in the process.
In the long term, digitalization in pultrusion increases process reliability, reduces waste and material consumption and improves flexibility when adapting to new requirements.
Seminar content
The two-day seminar “Pultrusion 4.0” provides practical information on how digital technologies can be used for composite manufacturing processes to significantly increase efficiency in pultrusion technology. It combines theoretical principles with practical applications and is aimed at experts who want to expand their knowledge and experience modern approaches first-hand.
One focus is the design and simulation of fiber-reinforced composites using the finite element method (FEM). Participants are given an overview of how a profile is simulated in common FEM software and what needs to be taken into account during modeling in order to achieve precise results. This knowledge is essential for the optimization of components and manufacturing processes.
Another key aspect of the seminar is digitalized project planning. Using the fibclick software, participants will be able to calculate the textile layer structures of the composite and automatically generate fiber guide plates and textile formings. In addition, the use of 3D printing for pultrusion will be presented, for example for the production of fiber guide plates or textile guides.
In the practical part of the seminar, participants apply their knowledge directly. They simulate the layer structure of a profile using FEM software and plan the implementation using the fibclick software. In this way, the concepts taught are immediately put into practice.
The role of the digital twin in pultrusion will also be discussed. Participants will learn how sensors and equipment are networked to collect and visualize production data in real time. Tools such as Grafana Dashboard and databases will be presented to illustrate the benefits of networked production technologies.
Finally, the set-up of a pultrusion system is demonstrated in practice. Topics such as the feeding of fibers, supported by augmented reality, the installation of textile guides and the precise setup of tools will be covered in detail. Production data will also be analyzed and compared with planning data.
The seminar ends with a summary of the most important findings and an open discussion round. This practice-oriented and innovative programme provides participants with valuable knowledge to implement digitalization in pultrusion efficiently and sustainably.
Depending on the group of participants, the seminar will be held in German or English.
Your benefit
- Understanding the digitization possibilities along the entire pultrusion process chain as a representative process for numerous other composite manufacturing processes
- Practical application of current technologies such as FEM simulation, CAD and 3D printing
- Introduction to the digital twin for process monitoring and data analysis
Target group
- Engineers and decision-makers from pultrusion companies
- Companies interested in digitalization in an industrial context
Place and date
Augsburg, Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV
Am Technologiezentrum 2, 86159 Augsburg
May 14/15, 2025
Start: May 14, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.
End: May 15, 2025 – 2:30 p.m.
(Seminar number: 2021250514)
For further information, such as the exact course of the seminar and the main topics, please refer to our flyer:
To register, please send us an e-mail to info@avk-tv.de with the following information:
- Name(s) of the participants
- Billing address (incl. tax ID)