An innovative 3D Free-form manufacturing technology for the construction industry

Project Information

i-Contour

Grant agreement ID: 833487

DOI

10.3030/833487

Project closed

EC signature date 28 November 2018

Start date 1 November 2018

End date 28 February 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

CLEVER CONTOUR GMBH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - i-Contour (An innovative 3D Free-form manufacturing technology for the construction industry)

Reporting period: 2018-11-01 to 2019-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The freeform construction, landscape & interior design market is impeded by cost, accuracy and logistical constraints. There is a perception that complex freeforms can only be incorporated into landmark projects with vast budgets. i-Contour technology presents an innovative end to end solution to design and deliver complex 3D freeform structures with up to 90% reductions in cost, high accuracy with respect to original CAD design and vastly improved logistics for a simple construction approach. i-Contour increases the accessibility of ambitious freeform design to a wider range of projects, including social and community schemes. i-Contour allows for significant reductions in raw material use, using sustainable PVC framing to reduce concrete volumes by up to 50%. This reduces weight, transportation costs, fuel and heavy machinery requirements. Overall project objectives were to evaluate the technical and financial viability of i-Contour and to define a clear business plan to ensure successful commercialisation of an enhanced i-Contour product.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Technical Viability: Evaluation of technical strategy for software solutions and i-Contour 2.0 machine.
Results: Roadmap for software plug-in, machine optimization and new materials. Pilot test plan with preliminary partnering options
Industrial viability: Identification of strategy for serial manufacturing and assembly of i-Contour 2.0 cost benefit analysis of in-house vs. external production.
Results: Definition of manufacturing selection criteria, preferred manufacturing partner identified
Commercial Viability: Market analysis and commercialization strategy for market launch and growth.
Results: Definition of sales & technology licensing revenue streams for European and global commercialization, respectively. IPR and software development strategies.
Financial Viability: Financial feasibility of i-Contour in the first 5 years of operation and the impact of the two revenue streams on business model.
Results: Cash flow and profit & loss analysis, Risk analysis & mitigation plan, further funding plan

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Progress: Demonstrated 90% cost reduction, 50% product weight reduction, 100% accuracy from fully automated process, complementary technology for competing state of the art 3D printing solution
Impact: Greatly reduced plastic & concrete consumption, greater cost reliability for landmark public projects. Massive budget and time savings for freeform projects, removal of cost based constraints on freeform market.

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