Material
… we open up new performance limits with tailored fiber-thermoplastic composites.
Event · 7 September 2026H2-RLP site visit: hydrogen transport and storage with FRP — at our site in Neustadt
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Customer value
More performance where it matters.
Using continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic materials (UD tapes), the properties of conventional plastics can be significantly improved.
01
Increase load capacity
Targeted reinforcement along actual load paths delivers better mechanical properties at lower weight.
02
Weight too high
Reinforce locally instead of thickening. Carry forces with high-performance materials and remove unused material.
03
Integrate functions
Developing material, geometry and manufacturing together enables function integration and reduces assembly effort.
04
Metal limits dynamics or efficiency
Replace metal and achieve better results — often with less weight and twist at comparable stiffness.
05
Manufacture efficiently
Thermoplastic processes for short cycle times and reproducible components.
Project example
From idea to validated solution
Current focus: FRP pipe connections
Development project: pipe connection
Pressure-tight joints. Material-matched joining.
In fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) pipes under internal pressure, the joint becomes the critical interface. We develop a detachable mechanical joining method from the same material system, without welding, adhesives or metallic fittings.
We cover the background, design and manufacturing in detail in our blog post.
Joining technology for internally pressurized FRP pipes
01
Functional principle
The joint consists of the two pipe ends, a connecting piece and two support rings. First the support rings are slid onto the pipe segments, then the connecting piece is positioned over the butt joint, and finally the support rings are pressed on axially to create radial preload.
The result is a fluid-tight, detachable connection without heat input.
02
Material-matched design
Each part gets the fiber orientation that matches its job: hoop-reinforced support rings sustain the joining pressure, the connecting piece distributes it and conforms radially, and the pipe segments carry hoop and axial loads from internal pressure.
The joint is not designed as a rigid block, but as a coordinated set of three load-path-oriented FRP components.
Three parts, three roles
| Component | Design | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Support ring | High share of hoop fibers | Generate joining pressure and hold preload |
| Connecting piece | High axial stiffness, radially compliant | Distribute joining pressure and form the sealing face |
| Pipe segment | Laminate tailored to internal pressure | Carry hoop and axial loads |
Designed for high internal pressure
Detachable instead of permanently bonded
Fluid-tight without adhesives or welding
Further advantages
Low thermal residual stresses
Joint and pipe use the same material pairing, without jumps in expansion or stiffness.
Significantly lighter than metal
No steel flanges or metallic fittings: system weight stays at the level of the FRP pipe.
Fast joining on site
No melting, curing or cooling. The joint is load-bearing immediately after press-fitting.
Reproducible and inspectable
Measuring the joining pressure during assembly documents and safeguards joint quality.
Want to develop a pressure-loaded pipeline?
We support you from material and joint design through first components to testing.
Event · 7 September 2026
H2-RLP site visit on 7 September
Exclusive insights into hydrogen transport and storage with fiber-reinforced polymers at our site in Neustadt.
Capabilities
Competence and ways to get started
Everything for your fiber composite solution from a single source
We combine material development, component design and manufacturing into one end-to-end solution for highly loaded parts made of fiber-thermoplastic composites.
Develop the material
Custom UD tapes from our own production
Design the component
Characterization, simulation and load-path-oriented design
Realize the prototype
Tooling, process and prototype development
Scale manufacturing
Validation and transfer into industrial processes