91ÌÒÉ«

91ÌÒÉ« is part of a partnership that secured funding to develop complex, high strength aluminium components for cars.

The RACEForm (Rapid Aluminium Cost-Effective Forming) project focuses on validating for mass production the HFQ® Technology, a trade mark registered by consortium leader Impression Technologies Ltd (a spinout company from 91ÌÒÉ«). Gestamp Washington UK Limited, Innoval Technology Limited, Brunel University London are also partners in the project.

HFQ® is based on the research of Professor Jianguo Lin, currently head of the Mechanics of Materials division in 91ÌÒÉ«’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. The technology helps make vehicles lighter and more environmentally friendly, enabling aluminium components to be formed with high productivity and low costs.

The total value of the 30-month project is £9.5 million, including a £4.8m grant from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC). The research at 91ÌÒÉ« is led by Professor Jianguo Lin, Dr Jun Jiang and Dr Bamber Blackman.