Lightweight Automotive Suspension (LAS)

Summary

The automotive sector is slowly but surely moving away from metal production. Plastics and composites are increasingly utilized for various reasons: Cost reduction, Cycle time reduction, functional integration and weight reduction. The use of Thermoplastic Composites (TPC) makes is possible to design and produce specific safety-critical components in large series (> 100000/yr). However, small businesses (in the supply chain if the automotive sector) need support to develop design and production techniques associated with these high-tech materials.

Two technical Universities of Applied Sciences (HAN and SAXION) are working together with several small businesses to research and develop components in wheel suspension assemblies. The complete design process is being developed: Conceptual design up to and including road tests. Cost modelling is an essential part of the assignment. HAN is focusing on design and testing, while Saxion is focusing on production, cost modelling and production design.

Project partners

HAN, Donkervoort Automobielen BV, Saker Sportscars BV, Automotive NL, Intrax Suspension Technology BV, VB-Airsuspension BV, 2C Composites GmbH & Co.KG, Koninklijke Nedschroef Holding BV

Duration

01/09/2018 – 31/08/2020

Funding

RAAK-MKB subsidy, financed by Regieorgaan SIA, part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO)

For more information about this project, please click here.