OBJECTIVES OF THE OPTIBLANKS PROJECT
Energy consumption is becoming the top one problem. The more weight of the car, the more energy is consumed. Reduction in vehicle weight can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Every 10% of weight reduced from the average new car or light truck can cut fuel consumption by around 7%. Therefore, the automotive industry is consistently striving for new ways to reduce the weight of car bodies but without weakening structural stability. This is why the importance of lightweight materials has been increasing since 2012
The OPTIBLANKS project’s primary objective is to convert an existing EMAT–Laser Visual Hybrid manufacturing control prototype system into a market-ready product.
# 1
Finalise the development of the novel Hybrid inspection technology
# 2
Increase product robustness and optimise design
# 3
Optimise new quality control algorithms for Hybrid analysis with customers’ feedback information
# 4
Integrate developments onto a TWB manufacturing plant and validate performance on-site
# 5
Engage and cover end-user needs from development stage
# 6
Develop the manufacturing model of the OPTIBLANKS system and the plan for dissemination
