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Using digital technologies for innovative product and component development TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: PRIME AEROSTRUCTURES GMBH
The Austrian experts at PRIME aerostructures GmbH do not just focus on the development of highly complex structural components and modules for different industrial sectors from aerospace and automotive to general mechanical engineering, material manufacturers or research. Equally as important, is their work as a consultancy for and distributor of software for virtual product development. “One of our current highlights is working with augmented reality applications using the Microsoft Hololens in product development,” says Andreas Szadeczky, member of the PRIME aerostructures GmbH executive board. This means real-life components like a fuselage are virtually augmented through digital elements, like 3D geometries including the simulation result from the structure calculation. Parts like the wings can be digitally projected using the augmented reality lenses, which gives an understanding of the structure before even a prototype is built. “This widens the possibilities of cooperation and increases the quality of the final products, while enhancing efficiency,” continues Andreas.
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A second aspect in PRIME aerostructures’ work is the use of so called functional generative design methods for the development of components. Through topology optimisation, the existing assembly space is used in an optimum way with respect to expected loading. The resulting design will be transformed into a 3D geometry before
calculation and then optimised again before the actual component is 3D printed using additive manufacturing, which can also be simulated using metallic powders and laser-melting, showing any weaknesses in advance. PRIME aerostructures is accredited partner of Dassault Systèmes providing 3DEXPERIENCE® software solutions, which are also used in their daily work. www.primeaero.at Left: Winglet simulation results visualisation with 3DEXPERIENCE® platform. Right: Augmented reality cockpit design review with MS Hololens.