Carbon ThreeSixty Ltd.’s Project IFICAS Wins GBP 35k Funding

Wiring looms, sensors and actuators embedded into optimized lightweight composite structures could soon be a reality for Niche Vehicle builders after Carbon ThreeSixty Ltd. won grant funding of GBP 35k for a “rapid fire” feasibility study starting in the New Year. Project IFICAS (Integrated Functionality in Lightweight Composite Automotive Structures) won the funding after entering the latest single-company Feasibility Study round of the Niche Vehicle Network’s annual competition. IFICAS will enable multi-functionality in lightweight composite structures. Utilizing Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP), the project will demonstrate the feasibility of including elements – such as conductive wires – into composite structures and panels. The ability to design integrated functionality into these components will lead to significant simplification of wiring harnesses, additional lightweighting and pave the way for other features such as structural health monitoring, sensing, heating, and lighting. The approach proposed will lead to advances in the technology required to automate the placement of these elements/ materials into composite structures and how to design such systems and structures.