AMULET project aims to create new value chains for fiber-reinforced polymers and CMCs
R&D demonstration projects targeting current challenges in auto, aero, energy and building will be developed to reach TRL7 with the goal of accelerating industrial use of advanced lightweight materials.
To create a decarbonized and efficient circular economy, it is essential to widely establish lightweight construction as a key technology. However, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have not yet fully realized the potential of advanced lightweight materials, due to a lack of application knowledge, as well as technical and financial resources.
The trans-European project “Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies united for Lightweight” (AMULET) aims to develop the untapped innovation potential of SMEs in the field of lightweight construction and to help establish new pan-European value chains for advanced lightweight materials. The AMULET consortium is funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (INNOSUP-1). The project launch meeting was held Sept 6, 2021. AMULET will run until Sept 2024.
The vision of the AMULET consortium is to make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in the EU by strengthening innovative, lightweight construction in SMEs. R&D demonstration projects targeting current sectoral challenges will be developed to reach technology readiness level (TRL) 7, following a competitive-based approach. SMEs participating in AMULET will receive technical training support and business-to-business coaching for accelerating the commercialization of their innovative solutions. AMULET will focus on the automotive, aerospace, energy and construction industries and support innovative development and application of three advanced lightweight materials:
- Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs)
- Ceramic matrix composites (CMC)
- Light metal alloys
AMULET’s three phases
Within AMULET’s first application phase, participants will discuss and evaluate current technical challenges in the use of advanced lightweight materials through expert groups. This will be followed by up to 12 thematic competitions in which the European consortia of SMEs will participate. Matchmaking events on-site in selected partner countries will help form consortia of interested SMEs.
In the second phase, companies that have joined AMULET will complete a feasibility study, and demonstrate their proposed solutions in the third and final phase. Financial and advisory support will be provided and SMEs will be assisted to develop topic-specific technical and business knowledge. A curriculum of at least 12 technical and six business management topics will be developed in the consortium for this purpose and then provided to SMEs via online platforms for the entire duration of the project.
In addition to this learning content, webinars will be offered on each topic area. Individual coaching sessions will also available to exchange personal knowledge. The goal is to make a significant contribution to a more sustainable EU with significantly reduced CO2 emissions.
The AMULET consortium
The AMULET consortium brings together a comprehensive network of more than 1,717 SMEs, 341 large companies and 93 universities and research and innovation institutes.
The AMULET project is coordinated by professors Lothar Kroll and Maximilian Schwarz from the Technical University of Chemnitz (Chemnitz, Germany). Nine ELCA partners are also part of the consortium: Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster (Poland), Cluster MAV (Spain), Flanders Make (Belgium), Jožef Stefan Institute (Slovenia), IMAST (Italy), Plastipolis (France), Southwest Hungarian Engineering Cluster (Hungary) and Clust-ER MECH (Italy).
For more information, view the AMULET website and download the AMULET project flyer, available in English, German and Polish.
![European Lightweight Clusters Alliance logo](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/CW/2021-CW/0921-cw-news-amulet-elca.jpg;maxWidth=385)
AMULET is supported by the European Lightweight Clusters Alliance (ELCA). The European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. Lightweight technologies are key in achieving this goal. Composites provide the highest potential for reducing weight but are encountering bottlenecks for their mass adoption by various sectors, including automotive and construction. The multi-material approach is gaining force, but also presents new challenges in both processing and performance. ELCA is a collaborative initiative that aims to accelerate the adoption of lightweight materials in strategic industries. Mobility is the alliance’s primary focus, but applications in other lightweighting-related sectors are also targeted, including energy, healthcare, defense and construction.
Related Content
Plant tour: Joby Aviation, Marina, Calif., U.S.
As the advanced air mobility market begins to take shape, market leader Joby Aviation works to industrialize composites manufacturing for its first-generation, composites-intensive, all-electric air taxi.
Read MoreASCEND program update: Designing next-gen, high-rate auto and aerospace composites
GKN Aerospace, McLaren Automotive and U.K.-based partners share goals and progress aiming at high-rate, Industry 4.0-enabled, sustainable materials and processes.
Read MoreInfinite Composites: Type V tanks for space, hydrogen, automotive and more
After a decade of proving its linerless, weight-saving composite tanks with NASA and more than 30 aerospace companies, this CryoSphere pioneer is scaling for growth in commercial space and sustainable transportation on Earth.
Read MorePrice, performance, protection: EV battery enclosures, Part 1
Composite technologies are growing in use as suppliers continue efforts to meet more demanding requirements for EV battery enclosures.
Read MoreRead Next
Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.
Read MoreThe next-generation single-aisle: Implications for the composites industry
While the world continues to wait for new single-aisle program announcements from Airbus and Boeing, it’s clear composites will play a role in their fabrication. But in what ways, and what capacity?
Read MorePlant tour: Teijin Carbon America Inc., Greenwood, S.C., U.S.
In 2018, Teijin broke ground on a facility that is reportedly the largest capacity carbon fiber line currently in existence. The line has been fully functional for nearly two years and has plenty of room for expansion.
Read More