Paradigm shift in thermal technology for forming of lightweight components 2 - ThermLight2

Purpose and goal:

The objective of the research project is to develop a novel induction heating technology for heating of lightweight sheet metal in hot stamping. In a feasibility study (ThermLight, 2021-04029), a new revolutionary induction technology was tested with promising results. The technology will be further developed in the current project to be a complete functional system.

Expected results and effects:

The possibility to use induction heating can drastically reduce energy consumption (by at least 50 %) as well as reduce space requirements and investment costs for heated forming processes. It would be a disruptive and game changing technology shift, enabling more companies to gain access to heated forming processes, thus making it cheaper to manufacture high-strength lightweight products.

Approach and implementation:

The project has five work packages: WP1 Selective heating; WP2 Smart heating control; WP3 Cost modelling; WP4 Demonstrator; WP5 Project management and dissemination of results.