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

Informazioni relative al progetto

FFI

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 650913

DOI

10.3030/650913

Progetto chiuso

Data della firma CE 31 Ottobre 2014

Data di avvio 1 Novembre 2014

Data di completamento 30 Aprile 2015

Finanziato da

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

Costo totale

€ 71 429,00

Contributo UE

€ 50 000,00

Coordinato da

FORWARD COMPOSITES LIMITED
United Kingdom

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

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2014-11-01 al 2015-04-30

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

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.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

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.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

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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