Support for the Next Generation

The promotion of young talent is an integral part of norelem's corporate philosophy. Once again, this is demonstrated by two current student projects that norelem is supporting: one involves 3D printing of fiber-reinforced polymers, and the other focuses on the development of a high-speed transportation system.

Systematically conveying mechanical engineering-related topics is the aim and task of the norelem ACADEMY. The formats of knowledge transfer include product training on standard parts as well as technical training on various design topics. At the same time, norelem's ACADEMY realizes one pillar of the company's philosophy through targeted support for young talent. An important aspect of this is the promotion of student projects, for which norelem provides components free of charge, along with consultation by norelem experts.

Strengthening innovative technologies

Two projects that norelem recently supported are "FiberFusion" and "Hyperloop". FiberFusion is a two-semester project at ETH Zurich, aiming to develop an additive manufacturing process for precisely implementing continuous 3D printing of fiber-reinforced polymers. For this purpose, norelem provided the project team with a range of components, including stainless steel and cast iron housing bearing units capable of accommodating shafts and enabling low-resistance rotation. Other components provided were movable tensioning rollers, ensuring a force-fit connection of the belt drive, tensioning sets for proper fiber tension, and plain bearings for smooth and low-resistance rotation of the fiber spools. A combination of angle brackets and ball sockets allowed for easy and secure assembly. The pivot point of the gas spring is mounted on a ball, enabling easy opening and closing of the cover.

Another project supported by norelem is the development and optimization of a high-speed transportation system based on the Hyperloop principle. Around 60 students from the interdisciplinary "mu-zero Hyperloop" group initially developed a prototype of a transport capsule with a novel propulsion system. In the second phase, a new team further developed the transport capsule, driven by a linear induction motor, to optimize it for higher speeds.

norelem supported the Hyperloop projects with various components, including feather keys for form-fitting connection of wheels and shafts, preventing twisting. Circlips secured wheels and bearings in the axial direction, and locating pins facilitated precise positioning and assembly of different components. The use of damping elastomer springs allowed magnets to be decoupled from the rest of the structure, connected to support plates via threaded rods, ensuring smooth and trouble-free operation.

This year, this support continues with yet another new team, moving on to the next round of projects.