Aimen contributes to OVERLEAF 3D printed cryogenic tank
Dual thermoplastic composite system, developed to withstand temperatures below -250°C, demonstrates aviation decarbonization strategies.
Source (All Images) | Aimen Technology Centre
The Aimen Technology Centre (O Porriño, Spain) announces a milestone achieved in the 3D manufacture of a cryogenic tank demonstrator as part of the OVERLEAF project. The project, led by Spanish aeronautics company Aciturri, seeks to develop future liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks for future aircraft (learn more about the project’s innovations).
The designed solution consists of a dual system: an inner tank made of thermoplastic, responsible for maintaining LH2 at extreme temperatures, and an outer carbon fiber structure that provides strength and structural safety. Aimen was responsible for manufacturing the inner tank, using high-precision, large-format additive manufacturing (AM).
“This is a technological solution that will mark a before and after in the manufacturing of components for sustainable aviation,” explains Pablo Romero, team leader of the Additive Manufacturing of Composites R&D group and coordinator of the OVERLEAF project at Aimen. “We have applied all of our knowledge in robotics, AM and process design to address a highly technical challenge.”
The 1.5-meter-diameter tank was manufactured in a robotic cell developed by Aimen, equipped with high-performance 3D printing systems and infrared heating systems to ensure proper adhesion between layers. The process required more than 100 uninterrupted hours of printing and was monitored in real time using thermal cameras.
In addition to its technological contribution, Aimen has worked with the French center Canoe to develop a new sustainable material, based on a bio-based thermoplastic reinforced with natural fibers, which enables the printing of strong, lightweight and environmentally friendly structures.
“This project demonstrates how technology can respond to the major challenges of decarbonization. Investing in hydrogen as an energy vector also means transforming the systems that make it viable, and Aimen has a lot to contribute to this,” adds Xabier Pérez, researcher in the Additive Manufacturing of Composites R&D group and head of the tank’s additive manufacturing activities at Aimen.
Related Content
-
Plant tour: Sekisui Aerospace, Orange City, Iowa, Renton and Sumner, Wash., U.S.
Veteran composites sites use kaizen and innovation culture to expand thermoplastic serial production, 4.0 digitization and new technology for diversified new markets.
-
JEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes
CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.
-
Welding is not bonding
Discussion of the issues in our understanding of thermoplastic composite welded structures and certification of the latest materials and welding technologies for future airframes.
