Process simulation of compression moulding: Integration and Implemenation - Prosicomp II
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 7 710 000 |
| Project duration | May 2020 - March 2023 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | FFI - Sustainable Production |
| Call | Sustainable Production - FFI - 2019-12-10 |
| End-of-project report | 2019-05853engelska.pdf (pdf, 1196 kB) |
Important results from the project
The project has taken the results from Prosicomp I, developed and integrated them to produce a vehicle component. A hypothesis was tested in the project by installing a more reliable, virtual design and manufacturing system for composites that allows composite vehicle components to be manufactured cost-effectively with minimal waste, which supports the FFI program´s overall goal of pioneering lightweight materials. The combined strategy in the project was to work with advanced modeling in commercially available systems on a relevant automotive component.
Expected long term effects
The composite part is designed to mimic the bending stiffness of the original steel component. The geometry is adapted to suit composite materials and allow for a combination of SMC and directional fibres (tapes or weaves), while still providing good manufacturability. The nominal composite part design saves approximately 0.2 kg of weight compared to the steel component (corresponding to a 26% weight saving)
Approach and implementation
The project was divided in several work packages, where advanced simulation of SMC and prepreg materials initially started in parallel in two packages. The results of WP1 & 2 were then integrated into WP3, Process simulation &integration, to provide commercial solutions for process simulation. These were used in WP4 to minimize the material in terms of either weight, cost or a reuse factor. Manufacturing of a component was demonstrated in WP5; from design and material selection, through the use of the simulation tools and evaluation. In WP6, the results were continuously disseminated.