“This project is a testament to the UK's R&D prowess and ability to drive change in the global automotive landscape…This groundbreaking success will be showcased at Cenex Expo and a subsequent event at the Dunton Campus. Ford and its partners are poised to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of automotive innovation…”
FROM NICHE TO MAINSTREAM: FORD CENEX EXPO 2024 Cutting-Edge Advanced Composites and Adhesives Three years ago Prof. Alan Banks set a bold vision in motion: to prove that the UK's R&D capabilities are world-leading and to secure vital skills and jobs within the nation. This vision, a collaboration between Ford and its partners Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, Gestamp, Expert Technologies Group, WMG, University of Warwick, has yielded remarkable results, pushing the boundaries of automotive manufacturing. The project aimed to break the mould of traditional materials. Previously, advanced composites and adhesives were limited to niche applications due to production challenges. Ford and its partners tackled this head-on, Ford not only invested over £3M (£1.2M funded) to secure 650 Ford Transit jobs, successfully demonstrating that these materials could meet rigorous and gruelling Ford PASCAR program, proving its exceptional durability and exceeding expectations. This R&D project wasn't just about pushing the limits of materials, but within a compressed timeframe, the team moved from concept to implementation readiness, conducting extensive testing to validate the technology. This achievement transcends niche applications, marking a significant advancement in automotive R&D. The journey wasn't without its challenges. The team learned valuable timing and program application lessons, further solidifying their commitment to continuous improvement. This groundbreaking success will be showcased at Cenex Expo and a subsequent event at the Dunton Campus. Ford and its partners are poised to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of automotive innovation. This project is a testament to the UK's R&D prowess and ability to drive change in the global automotive landscape. Ford UK #CENEXEXPO #COMPOSITES #ADHESIVES #LIGHTWEIGHT #UKRESEARCH #ALANBANKS Composites UK - Trade Association
Managing Director - Tracoinsa System | Technology Director - Expert Technologies Group
2moFantastic collaboration, well done team 👏🏼👏🏼