Automotive

The Centres of Industrial Collaboration (CICs) can assist companies working in the automotive industry, with expertise ranging from design optimisation of high performance structures, novel polymer materials to replace metals, precision engineering of automotive components, advanced coatings, through to wireless sensor technology.

Design Optimisation

The ability to generate high performance structures with least weight is a primary driver in the automotive industries. Advanced techniques for structural strength and software solutions offered by the Engineering Design CIC helped Bankside Patterson to develop a next generation holiday home chassis, which is 15% lighter and 15% stronger than conventional designs.

Advanced Polymer Materials

The Polymer CIC is developing novel materials that can replace metals used in the automotive industry. The Centre has worked with Birkbys Plastics Ltd to optimise the design and performance of cost-sensitive accelerator part assemblies, increasing profit margins and competitiveness.

Precision Technologies

The Precision Technologies Centre of Industrial Collaboration offers manufacturers of precision automotive components an internationally-acclaimed one-stop-shop for precision engineering which boasts the cutting-edge ‘Nanolab’; the only metrology lab of its kind in the UK and one of the most advanced in Europe.

Structural Integrity Assessment

Structural design and integrity is of critical importance in the automotive field due to the higher potential risks of catastrophic structural failures due to corrosion, stress fatigue and other environmental factors. The Materials Analysis and Research Services CIC offers a broad range of solutions to assist in the minimalisation of these effects on products.

Advanced Coatings

The Materials Analysis and Research Services CIC Collaboration has developed a range of functional and decorative coatings for automotive and motor sport markets. The coatings enhance the properties of materials, protect them under harsh operating conditions and improve aesthetic appeal, corrosion resistance, high temperature performance, wear resistance and reduce friction.

Wireless Technology

The impact of electronics and software in automotive applications has increased dramatically in recent years and will continue to gain importance in the future. The Wireless Technologies CIC Collaboration can help businesses develop new wireless technology-lead products.

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