The Leading-Edge Cluster MAI Carbon of Composites United e.V. (CU) pursues the goal of implementing lightweight construction technologies on an industrial scale for various user industries throughout Bavaria. In order to achieve this goal, leap-frog innovations are required along the entire component life cycle, i.e. starting with the fiber and matrix material, through the manufacture of components and product systems, to conclusive recycling concepts.

Currently, more than 130 partners – who are also members of the CU – are pooling their knowledge in order to expand the technological leadership in the use of CFRP components in mass production and to develop Bavaria into a global beacon in the field of fiber composite technology. The intensive cooperation between renowned major German companies and technology leaders in the application sectors of automotive engineering, aerospace, mechanical and plant engineering, and fiber and semi-finished product manufacturers makes the MAI Carbon Leading-Edge Cluster unique.

The founding partners of MAI Carbon are the companies Audi, BMW, Premium Aerotec, Airbus Helicopters, Voith and SGL Carbon, as well as the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Chair for Carbon Composites (LCC) at the Technical University of Munich and Carbon Composites e.V.

Leading edge cluster as a motor for the region

The concentration of all major companies and institutions along the value chain of future materials with carbon fibre reinforcement is a remarkable unique selling point in the city triangle of Munich, Augsburg and Ingolstadt (MAI). This provides an ideal basis for helping carbon composites technology to make a breakthrough in various sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries, but also in mechanical engineering. The prerequisite for this is a networked and coordinated approach, which is coordinated by the MAI Carbon Leading-Edge Cluster. Furthermore, MAI Carbon is a bridge builder in international value-added chains and, together with its partners, is pushing for worldwide market access in line with demand. Another important component of the cluster’s work is the continuous development of educational content from early childhood education to bachelor and master programs.

Vision of the Leading-Edge Cluster MAI Carbon

The declared aim is to develop the MAI region into a European centre of excellence for lightweight CFRP construction that covers the entire value-added chain of CFRP technology and helps the partners represented in the cluster to achieve a leading position on the world market in the key technology of CFRP.

Technical optimization and education are the key to success

Two basic requirements are decisive for the sustainable establishment of this new technology. On the one hand, it must be possible to significantly reduce the costs of manufacturing CFRP components, and on the other hand, a completely new educational program must be developed that meets the special challenges of carbon composites.

Thus, the basic prerequisite for the sustainable implementation of the new technology of carbon composites is achieved and at the same time the region is given another unique selling proposition.

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