Altair Joins PIVOT Project to Revolutionise Sustainable Vehicle Manufacturing
In an ambitious move towards sustainable vehicle manufacturing, Altair has announced its collaboration with the Performance Integrated Vehicle Optimisation Technology (PIVOT) project. Initiated with the goal of creating lighter and more sustainable vehicle components, the project is poised to significantly impact the automotive industry.
The PIVOT project is led by Sarginsons Industries, a key player in the casting industry, and involves several prominent partners. These include Altair, renowned for its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation technologies, luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin, Brunel University London, and metal recycling firm Gescrap.
At the core of the project lies innovative software development, combining casting simulation, topology optimisation, and AI. This integrative approach aims to thoroughly test and optimise vehicle components for weight, structural integrity, and manufacturability. The software’s end goal is to design cast aluminium structures that are up to 30% lighter than conventional aluminium parts while still meeting the stringent performance standards.
Funding for the PIVOT project includes a substantial £2.9 million grant from Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). This financial backing underscores the project's potential to make significant strides in the industry's sustainability efforts.
One of the primary environmental benefits of the project is its focus on using 100% recycled aluminium, which promises to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95%. The incorporation of grain refinement techniques, pioneered by Brunel University, will enable the use of secondary alloys in cast structural applications, particularly in vehicle chassis systems.
“This represents a major advancement for the casting industry,” commented Mark Nunan, Managing Director of Sarginsons Industries. “With Altair’s cutting-edge technologies, we are expanding the boundaries of what’s feasible, creating components that are not only lighter and stronger but also significantly greener.”
The PIVOT project promises to deliver substantial advancements in casting processes over the coming years. By enabling Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and foundries to adopt these more efficient and sustainable production methods, it aims to significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with vehicle manufacturing.
As the project progresses, it is expected to bring forth a new era of manufacturing that prioritises both performance and sustainability, aligning with broader global environmental goals.
Reaching beyond the immediate improvements in vehicle components, the PIVOT project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative innovation and advanced technology, potentially setting new standards in the automotive industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services