Two recent automotive developments in the use of sustainable composites
have been heralded as the way forward for the automotive industry in general.
The ground-breaking Callum Skye project “demonstrates performance
engineering, boasting a 35kWh, ultra-fast charging battery, sportscar
performance, and lightweight body panels and structure”
Importantly, a direct tooling approach was taken by manufacturer, Codem
Composites, resulting in a vehicle with improved sustainability and reduced
embodied CO 2 emissions.
Tooling was made from Halo-750, our sustainable high-performance tooling
board. In addition, for the bodywork, Codem replaced traditional carbon fibres
with flax fibre, grown in Scotland. These two departures from conventional
manufacturing methods led to a unique result, an exceptional vehicle showcasing advanced, low-impact manufacturing techniques.
Read more:
https://codemcomposites.com/collaborations/codems…
Similarly, Ariel Motor Company has recently unveiled the E-Nomad, a fully
electric sportscar with all-terrain performance. Manufactured in Somerset, the
vehicle again made use of our Halo® high-performance, sustainable tooling
board.
The CO 2 savings are considerable by utilising a direct-tooling approach and by
using the Halo board instead of the more conventional epoxy route. In
common with the Callum Skye, the body was manufactured using flax fibres as
the reinforcing medium within the epoxy matrix. To give additional strength
and further weight-saving, the body panels were backed by reinforcing ‘power
ribs’ providing a 73% saving in CO 2 when compared to carbon fibre.
It is heartening to see that emphasis is being placed on the environmental
credentials of modern high-performance materials.
Feel free to follow Rubix as more exciting, sustainable products
will be released over the coming months.
Read more:
https://www.arielmotor.co.uk/ariel-announce-e-nomad-concept/