Innovation: AI-controlled, High Resolution Infrared Oven for Tailored Organo Sheets
Award Category: Combined Strength, 2025 CAMX Award finalist
Company: KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH
Objective: The submitted innovation is demonstrated through a mini cruiser skateboard for recreational sports. It is produced using a load-path-optimized hybrid laminate composed of a continuous base sheet and a local reinforcement.
Results: To process this advanced material, the hybrid overmolding process (Process combination of thermoforming and injection molding) was further developed by KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH. A high-resolution infrared heating system was designed, featuring individually controllable emitters and a self-learning, AI-based process control.
Impact: The new smart oven enables precise heating, efficient material use, and the full exploitation of lightweight design potential, making the innovation a strong candidate in advanced composite manufacturing.
From the Expert: “With this invention or optimization of the technology, it allows us to use tailored organo materials, where you might have a thicker section and thinner section. This means you can save weight, optimize performance, and lower cost. This would be ideal for any lightweight applications, structural parts, for automotive, aerospace, urban air mobility, but also sports and leisure like the skateboard.”~ Eugen Schubert, Sales & Applications Manager, Krauss-Maffei
