Forward Flow Infusion - Low Cost Composite Manufacturing Process for High Volume Production

Información del proyecto

FFI

Identificador del acuerdo de subvención: 650913

DOI

10.3030/650913

Proyecto cerrado

Fecha de la firma de la CE 31 Octubre 2014

Fecha de inicio 1 Noviembre 2014

Fecha de finalización 30 Abril 2015

Financiado con arreglo a

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Nanotechnologies

Coste total

€ 71 429,00

Aportación de la UE

€ 50 000,00

Coordinado por

FORWARD COMPOSITES LIMITED
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FFI (Forward Flow Infusion - Low Cost Composite Manufacturing Process for High Volume Production)

Período documentado: 2014-11-01 hasta 2015-04-30

Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto

Globally there is a concerted effort to reduce the weight of products and components across a range of industries in order to improve efficiency and reduce the use of carbon emitting fuels. By replacing traditional materials like steel and aluminium with lightweight composites, significant weight reductions can be achieved whilst maintaining and often improving strength. The basic principle of the FFI manufacturing concept is to replace existing solid tooling materials with a porous material which allows a vacuum to be drawn through it using a semi-permeable release agent.

Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha

The Phase 1 feasibility study has clearly demonstrated the viability of the FFI process, preparing a way forward for further development within a Phase 2 development. The key potential European markets for the FFI process have been identified: automotive, aerospace, rail, military, construction and marine. Key end-users, material suppliers and processing equipment manufacturers have been identified.

Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha)

From a technical stand point, the FFI process offers a unique opportunity for Forward Composites to develop a specialised high volume manufacturing process with potentially strong IP protection. However, from a business perspective, further appraisal of the commercial opportunities, investment funding requirements, cash flow and resource commitments is required. Based on this information, Forward Composites has taken the decision not to proceed with Phase 2 at this stage, with a view to further evaluating the technical challenges and market place where the FFI process would be best positioned. The company must further assess the affordability of investing not just in the development project but also in the capital investment for equipment. Once this has been critically evaluated, an application for Phase 2 funding may be made.

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