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Radically innovative technology for efficient manufacturing of preforms for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) brake disks

Project description

Improved composite brake disks could find widespread use in cars

The growing need to reduce CO2 emissions is driving automotive manufacturers to increasingly focus on using lighter materials to reduce fuel consumption. Carbon–matrix composites are ideal for use in braking systems as they reduce their weight by 50 % compared to traditional cast iron disks and cut car weight by 25 kg. However, their multi-step batch production process makes them expensive, which greatly limits their market size globally. The EU-funded ROLL-IT project will develop a fully automated process that combines additive manufacturing technology with traditional sheet moulding to enable a continuous forming process for composite brake disks. The new process could help reduce carbon fibre content by 40 %, scrap materials by 70 % and production costs by 50 %.

Objective

Light-weight materials lead to a drastic weight reduction in vehicle components such as the braking system, improving fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. The low density of Carbon Matrix Composites materials makes them ideal for light weight braking systems. CMC brakes are 50% lighter than traditional cast iron discs and their adoption could save up to 25kg/car. They also reduce the braking distance by > 40%. However, they are very expensive. Their production cost (€500) and sales price (€700) is attributed to the multi-step batch production process that includes >7 manual steps done by specialized operators. That is why CMC brake discs accounting for only 1% of the global market. Product quality is also not guaranteed in the current manufacturing process because of inefficient control of the Carbon Fibre (CF) topology which is only achieved by hand or machine positioning. Through this innovation project, we will make CMC brake discs affordable for more customer segments while improving their quality. ROLL-IT is a fully automated process that combines advanced additive manufacturing techniques with traditional sheet molding to enable a continuous forming process of near-to-shape preforms for CMC brake disks, exploiting an affordable processing route on the same machine. ROLL-IT will enable control of the CF topology and that of the material properties that mainly affect the disc performance. CMC manufacturer will benefit from a 600% increase in throughput, 40% decrease in carbo fiber content, 50% reduction in productions costs and a 70% reduction in scrap whilst car owners will benefit from improved mechanical properties of the disc and enhanced safety through a 40% reduction in braking speed. This innovation project will play a significant role in advancing our commercialization strategy. We anticipate a high uptake of ROLL-IT which will boost our sales and elevate PETROCERAMICS from a start-up status to a fully-fledged company.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

PETROCERAMICS SPA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 50 000,00
Address
VIALE EUROPA 2
24040 Stezzano
Italy

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Bergamo
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 71 429,00
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