Super-strong kinematic composite joints
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | R-IDEA AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 005 000 |
| Project duration | December 2013 - October 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The purpose and goal of the project was to develop and manufacture joints and bearings out of carbon fiber composite, which are lighter and stiffer than anything on the market per weight unit. The ball-joint should have a larger operational angle and should be able to operate without lubrication. The manufacturing should be a one-step process to minimize the cycle time and the cost should be competitive on the market. Tests have been performed showing that the goals have been reached. The extremely low weight makes the ball-joint useable in many applications where low weight is crucial.
Results and expected effects
The project has resulted in a patent application. Granting of the patent is expected to be given during 2015. As recognition of the project and its innovation Corebon´s carbon fiber composite joints and bearings have been given the Innovation Price by PWC and LU Innovation. Already during the project Corebon has been growing with almost 100%. After the project´s end the company will focus on marketing and sales. The joints and bearings is part of the Modular Components product category, where the idea is that a customer will be able to build complex fixed or kinematic structures,
Approach and implementation
The project has been conducted in an iterative manner where first the joints and bearings were designed and then molds and prototypes were manufactured. To make sure the prototypes fulfilled the specifications tests were performed, e.g. material test and component tests. The results from the tests were used to redesign the next generation of the prototypes and the process started all over again. When the specifications were met recipes for the manufacturing was programmed to a PLC. Delivery time from suppliers disturb the project´s time plan. Corebon has been trying hard to avoid these.