Lightweight construction is one of the game-changing technologies that focus on increasing growth and competitiveness as well as ensuring climate protection and sustainability. Carbon fibers play a prominent role as a reinforcing material for thermoplastics, as they offer a unique combination of low weight, extremely high stiffness and strength combined with thermal, UV and corrosion resistance. For this reason, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components can already be produced today, which allow a 30% weight reduction compared to comparable aluminum components and even more than 50% compared to steel components. However, the mass use of these fibers in markets such as automotive, wind power, construction and infrastructure is still prevented today by the high price of the fibers, the petrochemical-based and costly manufacturing processes. For these reasons, the newly established Carbon LabFactory, as a research campus and branch of Chemnitz University of Technology in Boxberg/Upper Lusatia, has set itself the goal of researching "green" carbon fibers, derived from the intergenerational and global challenges. In addition, the Carbon LabFactory will map the entire value chain in the future, from textile processes to plastics processing processes.

In order to determine possible applications of conventional and in particular the novel "green" carbon fibers in future-oriented technologies, Chemnitz University of Technology is inviting applications for research and development work on thermoplastic carbon fiber-reinforced topics that complement its own research efforts. In addition to granule-processing 3D printing, this also includes technologies for the production of fiber-plastic composite components made of carbon fibers and engineering polymer materials in a force-flow-oriented and near-net-shape manner. The focus of the procedures and processes to be investigated is on their suitability for series production, the potential for transformation into the economy, the economies of scale and cost-effectiveness.

The additive manufacturing of complex fiber-reinforced plastic components is very complex and expensive, especially for larger quantities and large structures. The low build rates of established 3D printing processes lead to long process times and, combined with high material prices, are unprofitable for large-scale production and large-scale components. The granulate processing 3D printing technologies based on an extruder screw allow significantly higher printing capacity of several kg/h and use a cost-effective plastic granulate as the starting material. This type of 3D printing technology allows the economical production of large-format plastic components and small series and also offers enormous development potential for the production of functional tools and devices, making it the main component of research and development services. In addition to 3D printing, near-net-shape and force-flow-oriented technologies also play an essential role, with great potential being seen in the fusion of the individual technologies. For this reason, corresponding technological approaches for thermoplastic Near Net Shape (NNS) semi-finished products, their preforming capability and their combination potential with 3D printing must be investigated on the development side and evaluated with regard to their economy, ecology and social added value.

In addition, another R&D approach is the integration of continuous fiber-reinforced plastics (so-called rods) into 3D printing, especially with regard to carbon fibers. For this purpose, concepts must be developed, implemented as prototypes and linked to each other in such a way that both technologies complement each other in terms of component production.

Lightweight construction is one of the game-changing technologies that focus on increasing growth and competitiveness as well as ensuring climate protection and sustainability. Carbon fibers play a prominent role as a reinforcing material for thermoplastics, as they offer a unique combination of low weight, extremely high stiffness and strength combined with thermal, UV and corrosion resistance. For this reason, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components can already be produced today, which allow a 30% weight reduction compared to comparable aluminum components and even more than 50% compared to steel components. However, the mass use of these fibers in markets such as automotive, wind power, construction and infrastructure is still prevented today by the high price of the fibers, the petrochemical-based and costly manufacturing processes. For these reasons, the newly established Carbon LabFactory, as a research campus and branch of Chemnitz University of Technology in Boxberg/Upper Lusatia, has set itself the goal of researching "green" carbon fibers, derived from the intergenerational and global challenges. In addition, the Carbon LabFactory will map the entire value chain in the future, from textile processes to plastics processing processes.

In order to determine possible applications of conventional and in particular the novel "green" carbon fibers in future-oriented technologies, Chemnitz University of Technology is inviting applications for research and development work on thermoplastic carbon fiber-reinforced topics that complement its own research efforts. In addition to granule-processing 3D printing, this also includes technologies for the production of fiber-plastic composite components made of carbon fibers and engineering polymer materials in a force-flow-oriented and near-net-shape manner. The focus of the procedures and processes to be investigated is on their suitability for series production, the potential for transformation into the economy, the economies of scale and cost-effectiveness.

The additive manufacturing of complex fiber-reinforced plastic components is very complex and expensive, especially for larger quantities and large structures. The low build rates of established 3D printing processes lead to long process times and, combined with high material prices, are unprofitable for large-scale production and large-scale components. The granulate processing 3D printing technologies based on an extruder screw allow significantly higher printing capacity of several kg/h and use a cost-effective plastic granulate as the starting material. This type of 3D printing technology allows the economical production of large-format plastic components and small series and also offers enormous development potential for the production of functional tools and devices, making it the main component of research and development services. In addition to 3D printing, near-net-shape and force-flow-oriented technologies also play an essential role, with great potential being seen in the fusion of the individual technologies. For this reason, corresponding technological approaches for thermoplastic Near Net Shape (NNS) semi-finished products, their preforming capability and their combination potential with 3D printing must be investigated on the development side and evaluated with regard to their economy, ecology and social added value.

In addition, another R&D approach is the integration of continuous fiber-reinforced plastics (so-called rods) into 3D printing, especially with regard to carbon fibers. For this purpose, concepts must be developed, implemented as prototypes and linked to each other in such a way that both technologies complement each other in terms of component production.