Events

InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology and takes place every two years in Berlin. Divided into the five trade fair segments Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction, InnoTrans occupies all 42 halls of the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft will be represented again this year with a joint stand. Coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive Testing IZFP  and the office of the Fraunhofer Transport Alliance,  Fraunhofer IFAM present its portfolio:

Adhesive bonding technology in the transport industry and certification of adhesive bonding processes

The Fraunhofer IFAM offers comprehensive expertise in adhesive bonding technology, from the design and optimization of bonded joints to practical implementation. It works closely with the transportation industry, particularly in rail transport. The Training Center for Adhesive Bonding Technology offers internationally recognized certification courses for European Adhesive Bonder (EAB), European Adhesive Specialist (EAS) and European Adhesive Engineer (EAE). The Training Center for Fiber Composites offers courses for FRP manufacturers, FRP repairers and FRP specialists as well as modular training courses for composite engineers.

Adhesive bonding technology is subject to high quality standards, described in standards such as DIN 2304/EN ISO 21368 and DIN 6701/EN 17460. The TBBCert certification body of the Fraunhofer IFAM is accredited by the DAkkS.

https://www.weiterbildung.ifam.fraunhofer.de/en.html

https://www.tbbcert.com/

Leveraging The Potential of Adhesive Bonding in the Repair of Lightweight Structures

Modern mass transportation vehicles are made of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre epoxy laminate or aluminium. Damage to the outer skin often occurs during operation, e. g. through loading and unloading. Today, standard repair methods include riveting and welding, which increase weight or impair visual appearance. An adhesive bond allows for easy and smooth repairs. Until now, unknown safety factors have limited the use of adhesive technology to small, non-critical areas. Current research shows that safety factors exceed aviation standards. This enables the safe use of adhesive technology far beyond current repair applications.

https://www.ifam.fraunhofer.de/en/technologies/materials-testing-laboratory.html

Vitrimers for Smart Bond Repair

Current multi-step repair processes may be simplified by use of a benzoxazine-based adhesive film. The Fraunhofer IFAM vitrimer adhesive film behaves like a cured thermoset. A chemical exchange reaction mechanism is used to generate adhesion by heat and pressure. Advantages over conventional prepregs are:

• Lay-up, compaction, and cure within 30 minutes
• High level of safety due to reduction of hazardous substances
• Application on complex geometries due to shape adaptation
• Non-reactive at room temperature - no need for cooled storage

This technology can be based on renewable and sustainable raw materials in the future. It enables various applications in automotive, aerospace, and maritime industries.

https://www.ifam.fraunhofer.de/en/technologies/repair-and-adhesive-bonding-on-fiber-composites.html