The Research Project

The VHM Hephaistos microwave system was developed in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). It is the result of a joint development project sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Alongside KIT, the Composite Research Center of EADS in Munich, the Institute for Aircraft Design (IFB) at the University of Stuttgart, GNK Aerospace in Munich and Vötsch Industrietechnik were involved in the project.

Microwave system

In the future on one wavelength! The “VHM Hephaistos” microwave system from Vötsch is an internationally patented system. Fast and energy-efficient production processes are possible by using microwaves. The system is characterised by the hexagonal geometry with a very high field homogeneity. One of the principal areas of application is the thermal shaping of fibre composite materials (CFKs) for the aerospace and automotive industries.

Reduced production costs

The system guarantees reduced production costs as a result of shorter heating, processing and cooling times required to harden CFK components. The microwave produces energy input into the component to be heated while the oven itself remains cold. In comparison to the process in autoclaves, the processing times are reduced by up to 50 %. Energy consumptions is reduced by up to 70 %.

Your Advantages:

• Possibility to use of metal parts, such as conventional metal tools and feed systems, in the microwave field
• High degree of product quality thanks to the maximum homogeneity of the microwave fields: Hexagonal chamber structure. By using microwave absorbing tool materials, additional positive effects can be achieved.
• Sizes from laboratory scale to large systems, e.g., as are required in the aerospace industry, can be achieved
• The modular design allows a flexible adjustment to your product
• Precise heating of the products
• Hybride heat transfer possible