Prototyping Lab
Creating a type approval-capable prototype from a digital twin requires a deep understanding of automotive manufacturing. It is also important to look into the consequences for subsequent industrialisation, small series or volume production and develop matching solutions. People – infrastructure – knowledge, all of this works hand in hand in the Future Mobility Region.
Companies and research institutions with expertise in the field of prototyping:
Best Practices
Light alloy parts from the 3D printer
In collaboration with partners, LKR (Light Alloys Centre of Excellence Ranshofen) is pushing forward with the development of wire-based additive manufacturing (WAM) technology. WAM involves the use of welding wires layer by layer to build up large 3D parts which cannot be produced using powder-based technologies. This combines the advantages of state-of-the-art welding technologies, robot automation, and Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing. New WAM-compatible aluminium and magnesium wire electrodes are used here.
Virtual product development of electrical drivetrains - marine vessel propulsion system
An electrified Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) was developed in collaboration with the Voith Group and ELIN Motoren. The LCM (Linz Center of Mechatronics) drive was optimised by applying “multiple-objective size optimisation” techniques (rotor, stator, winding system). This optimisation was based on the LCM “SyMSpace” software platform. The eVSP will save 400,000 l of diesel per year or 960 t of CO2 per vessel.
Virtual product development of electrical drivetrains - mini excavator
The world's first 1.7-ton zero-tail mini-excavator with an electric powertrain was developed in collaboration with Wacker Neuson Linz. “Mini” only refers to the excavator's dimensions; after all, in terms of power and endurance, the new “EZ17e” is by no means inferior to its siblings with combustion engines.
