The experts in aluminium hot forming for lightweight structures
HFQ Technology Associates is a world leader in lightweighting solutions for automotive, aerospace, mass transit and consumer product sectors through the application of its Hot Form Quench (HFQ®) technology for aluminium hot forming.
We provide a complete aluminium lightweighting solution for any industry sector – from feasibility studies to design, prototyping, and production, in partnership with our licensed manufacturing partners in Europe, US and China. Our unique blend of engineering expertise, metallurgical knowledge, advanced hot forming techniques, and simulation capabilities –the HFQ® technology platform – is positioned to become the global benchmark for lighter, stronger, cost-efficient aluminium structures.
We can offer manufacturing solutions through state-of-the-art HFQ® aluminium hot forming production lines in UK, China, US and Germany (see section on our manufacturing partners), materials characterisation and design services from our team of simulation and modelling experts. This unique capability enables Impression Technologies to create prototypes, oversee series production, showcase the latest technological advances, and technically support OEMs.
Get in touch with us if you have a lightweighting challenge for new of existing structures. Our world experts in aluminium forming using the highest strength alloys can provide a tailored services to help you achieve the most effective design for manufacture in many location and to a validated technical standard. Our team of specialists can react quickly to your enquiries providing guidance on a range of disciplines:
- Alloy selection and characterisation
- Design and weight optimisation
- Forming feasibility
- Assembly and joining
- Production options cost
- HFQ production line configuration
- Supply chain for lightweight HFQ components and services
Unlocking the potential of revolutionary aluminium hot forming
From 2012, HFQ emerged from the culmination of extensive research conducted at Imperial College London in advanced hot aluminium forming. The mission: to harness the untapped capabilities of ultra-high strength 2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx sheet alloys for applications spanning automotive, aerospace, and industrial structures.
In a milestone achievement in 2016, we inaugurated the world’s first HFQ® production line and with this breakthrough, we commenced the fabrication of premier automotive HFQ® parts, catering to esteemed clients such as Lotus and Aston Martin. Since then, Impression Technologies’ collaborative efforts with industry partners have led to the expansion of HFQ® production facilities globally, exemplified by our partners including fischer group in Germany, Jet Wagon in China and QMC-EMI in the USA.
History
2003
Early viscoplastic research for aluminium at University of Birmingham, UK. Pictured is founder and inventor Professor Jianguo Lin of Imperial College, London, who is also a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
2008
HFQ® development continues at Imperial College, London.
2012
Impression Technologies Limited (ITL) is formed.
2014
Impression Technologies starts validation programmes with FCA and ESI
2016
The first HFQ® commercial production line is commissioned at Impression Technologies’ headquarters in Coventry, UK.
2018
Impression Technologies forms a partnership with Novelis. Major high volume automotive validation programme launched (RACEForm)
2019
The first wave of global tier partners join the HFQ® Partner Network, and the first SUV safety cell using HFQ® in 6xxx alloy is developed for Aston Martin. HFQ® trials on converted hot steel lines in USA (Telos Global) and Europe
2020
Development programmes start with leading aerospace OEMs. Development of new joining solutions for 7xxx series automotive upper structures.
2021
First HFQ® battery tray lid produced. Boeing & ITL present work demonstrating compelling cost reduction potential of HFQ.
2022
HFQ® production lines commissioned in fischer, Germany and Jet Wagon, China; first 100% recycled HFQ® A pillar produced with Granges 6082R alloy.
2023
Novel battery enclosure concept developed with FEV. First aircraft seat structure in HFQ® demonstrated. First automotive nomination for HFQ® battery lid. Signed aerospace licence agreement with QMC-EMI in the USA. 39 HFQ® parts now in serial production globally.
2024
Major growth in automotive battery enclosure projects. First HFQ® aerospace production line being commissioned. Recycled HFQ® qualification starts for first automotive serial application. Surge in enquiries for HFQ® aircraft seating.
Site heritage
The HFQ line in the UK is based on the outskirts of Coventry, nestled within Lyons Park, an homage to the visionary Sir William Lyons, founder of the pioneering Swallow Sidecar Company, later known as Jaguar Cars. The site, formerly recognised as The Brown’s Lane plant, once encompassed the entirety of Lyons Park and served as Jaguar’s production hub from 1951 to 2005.
Situated amidst the historic grounds where iconic Jaguar models once rolled off the assembly lines, our facilities are housed within units C, D, and E, named after the original Jaguar press lines. Here, we honour Coventry’s rich legacy of innovation, automotive prowess, and engineering excellence. Our dedication to this heritage is evident in our ongoing commitment to pioneering advancements in vehicle manufacturing, ensuring that the spirit of innovation continues to thrive and captivate audiences worldwide.
