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Following 9 months of collaborative research, a consortium of 15 companies has completed a comprehensive analysis and benchmarking project on composite-based rotor sleeves led by AZL Aachen GmbH (Germany). The project systematically analyzed the state-of-the art, comparing materials, design strategies and processing methods for rotor sleeves made from thermoset and thermoplastic carbon fiber composites. The result is a comprehensive market and technology analysis, documented in a 384-page final report that is ready to be implemented into other cooperations. 

To support OEMs and motor developers in leveraging these findings, AZL is now hosting a dedicated web meeting on Sept. 25 designed specifically to demonstrate the practical relevance, supply chain maturity and technology details of composite rotor sleeves for electric drives. Participation is free of charge.

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The event will provide a strategic overview of the technology’s capabilities and will highlight the concrete potential for integration into series production. It starts with an introduction to the current state of the technology and its role in enabling the next generation of electric motors. AZL will then present the consolidated results from the project’s work packages. Key insights include comparisons of rotor sleeve designs (press-fit versus direct-wound), material classes (thermoplastic and thermoset carbon fiber composites), mechanical and thermal performance benchmarks and production KPIs. 

In the second part of the meeting, participants will get the opportunity to meet the consortium behind the recently finished project — from composite material suppliers and machine manufacturers to rotor sleeve producers. Each partner will briefly pitch their expertise and offerings, helping OEMs identify reliable contacts for implementation projects.

“As a high-volume manufacturer in the field of rotor sleeves, Schunk considers it essential to actively shape innovation,” says Fabian Köster, development engineer composites at Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH, one of the consortium members. “Our participation in the AZL project reflects our strong belief that future viability and competitiveness can only be secured through early involvement in technological developments. The AZL info event offers OEMs and partners across the entire value chain a valuable opportunity to exchange insights on the current state of rotor sleeve technologies, explore emerging trends and collaboratively develop solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.”

For OEMs, this event provides not only an update on emerging technology, it also offers direct access to a ready-to-engage partner network. It also marks the official launch of a follow-up experimental project.

This follow-up initiative will shift from theoretical analysis to experimental validation. Its goal is to benchmark the performance of different material and process combinations under real-world production and operating conditions. The follow-up project includes four work packages:

• The first work package will define the production concepts and materials to be tested experimentally, including the design of test methods and auxiliary equipment for press fit operations.
• The second work package is targeting a production process consisting of separate winding and press fitting on the rotor. It includes manufacturing of sleeves using wet winding, towpreg winding and thermoplastic tape winding. Strength testing of the sleeves will consider different prestress levels, while also the quality of the laminate will be evaluated.
• The third work package will do the same, but in this case for a process, directly winding on the rotor. Evaluation will also include high-temperature testing and long-term durability.
• Finally, in the fourth work package, all process and strength test results will be evaluated on cost, quality and performance, leading to benchmarking of various materials, and clear recommendations for cost-efficient rotor sleeves.

The web meeting, hosted on Sept., 25, is open to OEMs, motor developers, innovation managers and system integrators seeking to accelerate their next electric powertrain generation. A registration link will be provided for all interested participants. Contract  for more info.