SLM-Tools

Project "SLM-Tools" data sheet

The following table provides information about the project.

 Partnership

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 Project objective

Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), is commonly used in many industries but particularly in automotive for varying applications for its light weight, high-energy absorption, structural strength and recyclability properties. We have developed an innovative technique that exploits Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology to produce EPP mold tools at a significantly lower cost, with an excellent lifetime as well as offer increased shape complexity capability.

Compared to traditional techniques, our worldwide unique innovation is a highly efficient manufacturing process that has the industry disrupting effect of reducing the cost of EPP products by a massive 16% as well as advancing shape complexity possibilities, offering customers absolute design freedom. At the same time, it is environmentally beneficial, offering high energy and materials savings: reducing production energy consumption by 70%, reducing cooling water consumption by <90%, and increasing plant output by 100%.

As the first of its kind and with IP protection in progress, we expect for SLM Tools to become the industry standard and launch us into becoming Germany’s EPP tooling market leader with a significant presence across the globe, as such, it is key for us to plan this market entry strategy carefully to ensure success is maximised. This feasibility study will allow us to: refine our market knowledge; map our Phase 2 work; scope the IP landscape; finalise Phase 2 project collaborators and produce a fully elaborated business plan.

Building on our legacy as an innovative company, at Overath, we possess the know-how necessary to develop, manufacture and market such world novelties and innovations. Having already proven TRL6, at Phase 2 we shall: validate an efficient production environment; optimise the technology productivity capability; prove to the market our quality and efficiency capability and prepare for market entry.