:quality(80)/p7i.vogel.de/wcms/ee/f6/eef6c42963a6bb637b7a29a24ae1667e/97236971.jpeg "Hans Beckhoff, Founder and Managing Director Beckhoff Worldwide (Source: Beckhoff Automation)")
:quality(80)/images.vogel.de/vogelonline/bdb/1838700/1838749/original.jpg "Hitachi Astemo Automotive Systems’ new brand image (Hitachi Automotive Systems China)")
:quality(80)/images.vogel.de/vogelonline/bdb/1812900/1812994/original.jpg "The 3rd edition of China International Import Expo. (China International Import Expo Bureau)")
:quality(80)/p7i.vogel.de/wcms/46/7a/467a05a25d5f9ad26190e2b490f163b4/0101791651.jpeg "Christian Fütterer (left) and Frank Hornung from Men at Work. (Bild: Fütterer/Stampack)")
Innovation Germany: Travelling to success at the speed of sound
Toolcraft supports Hyperloop project run by the Scientific Workgroup for Rocketry and Space Flight at the Technical University of Munich. The "Hyperloop" project was conceived by Elon Musk, the founder of PayPal as well as renowned companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
His latest idea is also related to space flight. Elon Musk wants to transport people in a pod at the speed of sound. To develop the idea, he is holding a competition. As part of the Scientific Workgroup for Rocketry and Space Flight (WARR e.V.) students from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are also taking part in the global contest.
With its proposal, the team at TUM has made it to the final 22 teams, which means that they have the chance to realise their concept and take part in the final round in California this summer. The Hyperloop is a high-speed transporter that travels inside a tube at low air pressure at virtually the speed of sound. For the transporter, the students are implementing a magnetic levitation system that aims to minimise friction on the tracks. A compressor is also used to drastically decrease air drag around the pod. The compressor needs to be stored in a two-piece intermediate housing, prompting students to look for a company that would manufacture such a part.
The Hyperloop – a concept for the future
Toolcraft did not pass up the opportunity to support this project. "We are delighted that the students turned to us," says Christoph Hauck, managing director of toolcraft. "The idea sounds like something out of science fiction, but it could become a reality in the near future." To demonstrate how developed the concept is, a 2/3 model must travel on a test track at a speed of Mach 0.4. Two tubes are to be located next to or over stretches of motorway on supports to compensate for any unevenness in the ground. In Germany, the idea seems almost impossible. In California, however, conditions are favourable, even for generating electricity using solar cells that are mounted on the tubes.
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