Within the framework of the ZIM project “SIMPEX – Development of a Simultaneous Piston Extrusion Technology (SKE Technology) for the Production of Ceramic Composite Structures”, the usual exchange of information and ideas between employees of LOOMIS PRODUCTS Kahlefeld GmbH (http://www.loomis-gmbh.de/) and FGK (https://www.fgk-keramik.de/) involved in the project took place at the regular status meeting on February 2, 2022 at FGK.

The SKE technology is used for the cost-effective production of technically sophisticated components that can be used in the field of optical technologies or energy technology. The composite structures are produced via wet plastic co-extrusion in vacuum piston extrusion presses with melt pressures of up to 1000 bar. A demonstrator for the production of co-extruded special components is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in this quarter.

Mechanical Engineer, Loomis Sales Manager Marc Jahn; Scientific Director of FGK Prof. Dr. Jan Werner, Loomis Automation Engineer Siegfried Wanninger and R&D Project Engineer M. Eng. Sebastian Sänger (from left to right) at a first test facility of Loomis GmbH in FGK’s technical center.

For material development, FGK was provided with a test plant and tools for cartridge extrusion by the project partner.

In addition to the progress in the current project, the possibilities of continuing the successful cooperation in future R&D projects were discussed, as well as the preparations for the presentation of the results at this year’s Ceramitec trade fair 2022 in Munich, where both project partners are planning joint appearances. Further information will be available here shortly.

Sintered co-extrudate (Al2O3/Cr:Al2O3) from wet plastic cartridge extrusion