Energy Transition
Material innovation
Using lightweight and recyclable materials is an extremely important topic in designing cleaner and more energy sufficient vehicles. Therefore, there is a continuous drive towards developing lighter vehicles made of lightweight and sustainable materials. Examples of car brands that have already used alternatives for steel parts are the BMW (i3: fibre composite material) and the Tesla (model S: aluminium). The Dutch automotive supplier industry invests heavily in innovation of products and materials in order to comply with this demand.
Learn from other sectors
For realising these innovations we among others look at the lessons learned in advanced composites from the aerospace and wind power industries. Both, highly represented in the Dutch industrial landscape.
Joint lightweight research
ACE performs joint research with automotive companies and Universities of Applied Sciences to identify opportunities for Fibre Reinforced Composites for safety critical automotive applications which are designed for repair and recycling. Our aim is to set up a pilot plant and, in the end, a shared facility in order to understand high volume fibre reinforced manufacturing aspects (safety, process design, product demands, integration, etc.), Industry 4.0 and Virtual Twin technology.
Participate
Be a part of this research
Are you interested in participating in this joint research? Or do you want to learn more about our research activities in the field of material innovation? Then please contact ACE mobility.
Topics
High productive & high-tech light weight composites, thermoplastic recyclable long fibre composite, ‘structural and safety’ application engineering, design for reparability and recycling and internet connected open source engineering and production environment.
Research issues
High productivity with fibre reinforced composite materials, Structural Design Engineering and design for reparability (Application), Industry 4.0 (Digital Twin, Connectivity, IoT)