CeNTI -

Automotive & Aeronautics

InnovThermoforming

Research and Development of a new thermoforming technology

InnovThermoforming project aims to carry out R&D activities for creating new products with application in automotive industry: thermoformed foams with integrated printed electronics. These products will be used in electric, hybrid and intelligent cars, resulting into added value regarding the addition of new features.

With this project, it is intended to explore emerging research lines that allow to obtain different thermoformed parts with integrated printed electronics, in which it is possible to detect fluids, stretching, temperature and pressure that are exerted on them during their applicability. In this sense, it will be possible to make the parts intelligent in the context of monitoring different parameters, as well as contributing to component weight reduction, which is an important factor for automotive industry.

Main Goals/Activities

Development of a new production process with combination of two productive and innovative technologies: printed electronics and termoforming, for production of thermoformed parts with printed sensing, making smarter vehiclers;
Development of a foam with printed sensing (pressure, temperature, stretching and capacitive sensors), allowing monitorization of the durability process of parts and promoting preventive maintenance;
Prodution of thermoformed parts to replace currently used heavier materials, thus contributing to weight reduction;

Use of more sustainable foams associated with some automotive components, which will reduce noise and, consequently, energy consumption and CO2 emissions, in the case os vehicles powers by fossil fuels;
Development of new processes that allow a good cost-effectiveness and use of new materials enabling maintenance with less costs and greater efficiency.

Results

Piece for battery housing for monitoring battery temperature and pressure, providing information to the user about the battery state;
Piece for storing pipes or wiring systems with integration of sensing systems to detect the presence/spill of liquid;
Piece for car interior (Cup holder) with integration of printed sensing systems to monitor drink temperature inside a cup, when it is placed there.

Project Number

POCI-01-0247-FEDER-047113

Measure

PT2020 – SI I&DT Empresarial – Copromoção

Project duration

March 2021 to June 2023

Intervention Region

Centre and North of Portugal

Approval date

22 December 2020

Total eligible cost

901 429.00 €