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Bertrandt, SGL Group collaborate for Carbon Carrier

28 Nov '17

2 min read

Courtesy: SGL

Bertrandt and SGL have collaborated to develop an unprecedented integrated concept for innovative interior structures based on composite materials – the “Carbon Carrier” – the technology avant-garde. Ready for large-scale production, the “Carbon Carrier” combines lightweight fibre compounds and integrated functionality, showing material mix in the automotive industry.

In lightweight construction, carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) play a major role. Bertrandt and SGL Group have combined their complementary expertise to demonstrate the potential of this material group. The objective was to develop a ground-breaking technology ready for large-scale production that offers new configuration and design options for vehicle interiors.

An OEM-neutral body draft created at Bertrandt served as the basis for the development of a functional package model for the front vehicle interior of a convertible or coupè with electric drive. The model includes all major function and trim components of a conventional instrument panel. In addition, the carrier features a newly developed design language, which will help visualise central load paths and CFRP elements for drivers. Structural components were also redesigned, giving the interior a more free, light and floating impression.

“While designing the Carbon Carrier, we made sure that the components, technologies and assembly concepts used, were ready for large-scale production either now or in the near future. For electric vehicles in particular, reduced weight means a greater range,” states Michael Hage, head of Body Development/CAE at Bertrandt, says.

The major challenge in developing the Carbon Carrier was to find the optimal configuration of matrix and fibre material, fibre length, portion and orientation, layer structure and process technology that meets a wide range of requirements. The body draft is an exemplary non-exclusive mounted structure, for which, SGL Group not only shared its material and process expertise, but also its experience in large-series component production. An optimal material mix as well as the production technology were developed at the Lightweight and Application Centre (LAC), where lightweight solutions are designed for large-scale production. “The combined expertise of Bertrandt and SGL Group along the entire product development process was incorporated into the Carbon Carrier – from the concept phase, to design and automated large-scale production,” saysDr. Andreas Erber, head of the Lightweight and Application Centre of the SGL Group. (SV)

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