JEC World 2025

At JEC WORLD 2025 in Paris from March 4 to 6, the experts for Automation and Production Technology at Fraunhofer IFAM in Stade will present their latest R&D results in the fields of

• Assembly Technologies,
  
• Joining Technologies, and
• Integrated Production Systems

at the joint booth of Composites United e.V. 

Efficient assembly of thermoplastic structures to increase production and fuel efficiency

The Multi Functional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD) received the prestigious JEC Innovation Award in the “Aerospace - Parts” category in January 2025. The project, which was developed as part of the European Clean Sky 2/Clean Aviation program with significant involvement from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, demonstrates pioneering approaches for the production of aircraft fuselages. 

Thanks to an automation-oriented thermoplastic construction method, efficiency and sustainability have been significantly increased. The innovations include weight reductions, CO₂ savings, rivet-free manufacturing processes and the pre-integration of structural and system components. These technologies are paving the way for the future of aviation, from lighter aircraft fuselages to applications such as vertical stabilizers and hydrogen tanks. 

Further information
Press release award ceremony 

Press release project completion

Innovative vacuum suction blasting process for the repair of CFRP components

The Fraunhofer IFAM in Stade has developed a novel, automated vacuum suction blasting process that revolutionizes the repair of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components. This process enables the precise, emission-free and gradual removal of individual fiber-matrix layers (shafts) without damaging the fibers. The process also optimally prepares the surfaces for the subsequent adhesive repair. 

Advantages of the process:

• Automation: the robot-guided process replaces the previously manual and unhealthy process of shaving. 
• High precision: With the help of a prediction model and real-time monitoring, removal parameters can be set precisely and surfaces can be processed without errors.
• Sustainability: The process is emission-free as all dust is extracted directly.
• Versatility: The process is also suitable for curved surfaces and large shaft diameters. 

In addition to CFRP component repair, the process opens up potential for other applications, such as the repair of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) or the removal of paint, e.g. in the wind energy, rail vehicle and automotive industries.

In collaboration with Airbus, the process will be evaluated for industrial application by spring 2025. This cost-effective and user-friendly process marks an important step towards sustainable and efficient repair methods in the lightweight construction industry.

The knowledge gained should not only revolutionize aviation, but also be transferred to other transport sectors.  

Further information
Abrasive pre-treatment with vacuum suction blasting

Further information about Fraunhofer IFAM in Stade:
Website of the Fraunhofer IFAM in Stade - Automation and Production Technology

Overview of the portfolio of the Fraunhofer IFAM in Stade (PDF)