Description du projet
Des surfaces architecturales de forme libre en toute simplicité
L’architecture contemporaine comporte sa part de formes libres, mais elles constituent un défi en termes de production. Par exemple, l’architecte n’a pas de contrôle direct sur le produit final, car la précision selon le modèle CAO est limitée. En outre, le transport est difficile et coûteux en raison de la taille et du poids des formes libres préfabriquées. Le projet i-Contour, financé par l’UE, propose une solution. Il développera une technologie permettant de concevoir et de produire de grandes formes libres en 3D à un coût inférieur de 90 %. Concrètement, l’innovation du projet comprendra un logiciel frontal développé en interne (un module d’extension pour le logiciel Rhinoceros) et une machine de pliage 3D innovante pour les matières plastiques. Cela permettra également d’avoir un contrôle en temps réel sur l’ensemble du processus.
Objectif
Freeform surfaces play a prominent role in contemporary architecture. However current methods used in the construction industry to produce free-forms involve five major problems. 1. Since they do not involve machine production, the accuracy according to the CAD model is limited and the architect has no direct control on end product. 2. Manually built structures, with two opposing wire mesh frames, with interposed plastic wool often suffer corrosion. This restricts their inclusion in buildings. 3. Due to weight and size of prefabricated free-forms, transportation is difficult and expensive. 4. High manpower demand: at least 3 persons must work on the mounting of each structure. 5. Milling of moulding causes 50% waste. Clever Contour, an Austrian company founded in 2013, is finishing the development of i-Contour, an innovative technology to design and produce large 3D free-forms at 90% lower cost and overcoming key technical barriers such as high weight and transportation difficulties. i-Contour is the first end-to-end manufacture technology for free-forms thanks to two key elements: an own-developed frontend software – a plug-in for Rhinoceros, and an innovative 3D bending machine for plastics. The most relevant Unique Selling Points of i-Contour are: *drastic costs reduction (up to 90%), *real-time control of the overall process, *weight reduction (up to 50%), *easiness of transportation and mounting, and *very fast production time (from weeks down to 2-3 days). The first prototype of the system is already working in our premises and we have successfully executed 6 projects with national and international design studios. We have also engaged several companies from different segments such as concrete manufacturers, formwork producers and architects. By the end of 2023, three years after market launch, we expect to have an accumulated revenue of €21 million and have created up to 20 new positions.
Champ scientifique
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware development
- social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementbusiness models
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuels
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringadditive manufacturing
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinateur
8700 LEOBEN
Autriche
L’entreprise s’est définie comme une PME (petite et moyenne entreprise) au moment de la signature de la convention de subvention.