Case Studies and References: Composite Projects in Practice
From an ESA telescope structure to a robot arm: Connova Group projects with customer, task and solution. Three case studies are also available as PDF downloads.
Customers and partners of the Connova Group
All Case Studies
Read the project page or request the full case study directly as a PDF.
Space · Earth Observation
Thales Alenia Space Schweiz AG · ESA Copernicus
0.02 mm
Positional accuracy at the optical interfaces
Space · Astronomy
G-CLEF Spectrograph · Las Campanas Observatory
M1 · M2
Mirror mounts for M1, M2 and the grating stabiliser
Space · Launchers
Almatech · ArianeGroup
25–30%
Weight saving compared with an all-metal solution (guide value)
Reference Projects by Industry
More than 30 projects from seven industries, each with customer, task and the Connova Group’s contribution. Many other components are subject to confidentiality agreements and therefore do not appear on this page.
Space: Satellites, Telescopes and Launch Vehicles
For more than 15 years, the Connova Group has been manufacturing CFRP structures for space applications, as an ESA SME and with quality management certified to EN 9100.
Aviation: Aircraft and Helicopters
Tools, fixtures and structural and cabin components for aircraft and helicopter manufacturers, with quality management certified to EN 9100.
UAV & Drones: Primary Structures, Tanks and Rotor Blades
From system architecture to individual assemblies: CFRP structures for unmanned aerial vehicles, with quality management certified to EN 9100.
Motorsport & Automotive: Aerodynamics, Heat Protection, Bodywork
More than 30 years of Formula 1 experience: ready-to-install components from mould making to painting, from one-offs to supported series production.
Industry & Automation: Robotics, Packaging, Metrology
Less moving mass, more stiffness, integrated functions: CFRP components for mechanical engineering and robotics, from feasibility analysis to series production.
Medical Technology: X-Ray-Transparent Tables and Stretchers
X-ray-transparent CFRP components for surgery, radiotherapy and air rescue: lightweight, rigid and precisely positionable.
Marine: Composite Pressure Tanks for Green Propulsion
Connova Deutschland GmbH is approved by DNV as a manufacturer of fibre composite components, from hand lay-up to prepreg autoclave technology.
NH3CRAFT · EU research project
Storing Ammonia Safely at Sea
In the European research project NH3CRAFT, Connova is developing filament-wound composite pressure tanks for green ammonia on board ships: polyamide liner, GFRP shell, scalable manufacturing.
gravimetric efficiency of the tanks
Project partner: Connova Deutschland GmbH
Approval as a manufacturer of fibre composite components (DNV-CP-0421)
Your Contacts
The people behind the projects. Talk directly to the contact for your industry.
Taylan Toprak
Head of Sales & Project Management · Connova Group
Graduate aerospace engineer (TU Munich) with more than 30 years of experience in aerospace engineering.
Thomas Leschik
Managing Director · Connova Deutschland GmbH
Mechanical engineer (TU Dresden). Heads Connova Deutschland GmbH in Klipphausen near Dresden and shapes the technical development of composite engineering within the Connova Group.
Jens Kählert
Head of Sales & Projects · Connova Deutschland GmbH
Graduate mechanical engineer. For 35 years he has been helping high-performance composites find their way into industrial applications, starting at the composite fibre pioneer Huber+Suhner.
More Downloads
Expertise and technical data from the Connova Group, free of charge as PDFs.
Technical details - machinery
Overview of the CNC machine park: machine types from EDEL Cyport to Mikron UCP 800 Duro, 3- and 5-axis machining envelopes, table loads from 1 to 3.2 tonnes, measuring systems and accuracies.
Resilience in Lightweight Components for the Hydrogen Industry
Challenges in integrating resilience into lightweight composite components for the hydrogen industry.
Introduction to Fibre Composite Materials
The basics of fibre composites for anyone new to the subject.
Could your project be our next success story?
Talk to us about materials, tolerances and the manufacturing route. We will assess feasibility free of charge and without obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Our Case Studies
How do I get a case study as a PDF?
Each project page has a short form. Once you submit it, you will receive the case study free of charge by email, in German or English where available.
Why are not all projects available as case studies?
Many projects are subject to confidentiality agreements. We only publish case studies with the approval of our customers and partners.
For which industries does the Connova Group manufacture composite components?
For space, aviation, UAVs and drones, motorsport and automotive, industry and automation, medical technology, and marine and shipbuilding. The reference projects on this page are organised by these industries.
Which manufacturing processes does Connova use?
These include Prepreg Technology, Hot Pressing, Filament Winding, RTM Process and Vacuum Infusion, as well as CNC Machining, Assembly and Measurement and Testing. The tags on each reference project show which processes were used in that project.
What certifications does the Connova Group have?
Our quality management system is certified to EN 9100 and ISO 9001. Connova Deutschland GmbH is also approved by DNV as a manufacturer of fibre composite components (class programme DNV-CP-0421).
Can Connova carry out a similar project for us?
In a feasibility analysis, we clarify requirements, materials and the manufacturing route. The easiest way to start is with a free consultation.
