The use of composite materials and material combinations opens up entirely new possibilities, as different material properties can be specifically combined to optimise components. Composite materials consist of at least two different components that are permanently bonded at the micro- or meso-scale (e.g. fibre-reinforced plastics), resulting in new properties that go beyond those of the individual materials. Composite materials on the other hand, refer to the deliberate combination of dissimilar materials at the macro level – for example, through layering, bonding or joining processes – without resulting in a homogeneous material structure.

In particular, the synergistic application of these concepts at the micro, meso and macro levels enables the targeted adjustment of material and structural properties in a way that cannot be achieved with monolithic materials. This calls for a shift in thinking within design practice: Engineers must move away from selecting individual standard materials towards an integrated consideration of material combinations, layered structures, fibre orientations and joining methods. The systematic integration of topology optimisation, manufacturing processes and targeted material design thus becomes the central foundation for the development of high-performance, lightweight and resilient components