c2i is supporting novel production technologies and engineering build-to-print approaches that aim to radically reduce manufacturing costs while introducing additional intelligent advantages. We concentrate on intelligent build-to-print methods, innovative materials, and a high level of automation, all within a holistic, supply-chain-wide perspective.
To play a major role in the disruptive transformation of the automotive industry over the next 15 years—during which hybrid and eventually electric vehicles will significantly replace traditional ones—c2i is advancing novel production technologies and engineering build-to-print approaches aimed at radically reducing manufacturing costs while adding intelligent benefits. At the core of this support effort is an R&D philosophy that systematically addresses the key cost drivers of current technologies, applying a holistic, supply-chain-wide perspective with a strong focus on intelligent build-to-print methods, innovative materials, and a high level of automation. Through this new approach, we strive to contribute from the earliest stages of vehicle build-to-print work, enabling detailed component build-to-print solutions and replacing conventional metal-focused thinking with an intelligent, 21st-century mixed-materials strategy.
read more » read less »Today, carbon-fibre is the material of choice for new models of civil and military aircrafts. In automotive, carbon-fibre is currently the material of choice only for supercars and Formula1, but strong regulatory requirements drive the automotive industry to reduce its CO2 emissions levels and the obvious solution is to reduce weight.
Today, carbon-fibre is the material of choice for new models of civil and military aircrafts. Over 50% of weight on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 is comprised of predominantly carbon-fibre composite materials, whereas the previous number one material – aluminium, is now secondary with less than 20% of weight. The shift towards carbon-fibre has already happened in aerospace. In automotive however, carbon-fibre is currently the material of choice only for supercars and Formula 1, but strong regulatory requirements drive the automotive industry to reduce its CO2 emissions levels and apart from powertrain improvements, weight reduction is the obvious solution. Moreover, electric vehicles fight an additional weight burden which they will compensate with light-weight materials. The current limitation for radical carbon-fibre adoption for automotive structural applications is predominantly cost.
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