Impression Technologies Ltd (ITL), the aluminium light-weighting specialist and fischer group, a global automotive supplier, recently presented their novel forming solutions for ultra-high strength aluminium structures at EuroCarBody 2022 in Bad Nauheim, Germany.
Since becoming ITL’s first global accredited HFQ® (Hot Form Quench) partner in December 2020, fischer has invested in a dedicated state-of-the-art high volume HFQ® manufacturing line in Achern, Germany. From January 2022, fischer has manufactured 10 different complex geometry high strength aluminium HFQ® pressings for a premium EV sedan and these were displayed to much interest from OEM delegates. Having successfully executed scale-up of its Achern facility, fischer is now preparing for further expansion of capacity to meet growing demand in the EV sector.
ITL, which has been developing and commercialising the core HFQ® Technology since 2012, showcased the world’s first example of an HFQ-formed high strength aluminium structure using 100% recycled 6082 alloy (recycled aluminium having the potential to reduce embedded carbon by over 90%). In addition, ITL presented an innovative single-piece battery enclosure lid made from high strength 6x alloy. As a relatively new innovation which could offer reduced weight, part-count and carbon intensity, HFQ® captured the attention of a large number of engineers from established and emerging OEMs, with a focus on new electric vehicle and delivery van platforms.
A partnership offering new sustainable light-weighting solutions
The fischer-ITL partnership offers a unique combination of unmatched aluminium hot forming (HFQ®) knowhow of ITL and world-class manufacturing engineering and production capabilities of the global fischer group.
ITL has now characterised 18 different high strength aluminium supplier grades (including 100% recycled, F-temper, 2x, 6x and 7x series alloys) to a common standard for high fidelity simulation and hot forming using the HFQ® process. Moreover, it has developed even more advanced generations of HFQ® for very deep drawn structures such as door inners and battery enclosures. fischer group, having successfully completed the first phase of its HFQ® manufacturing scale-up has identified a range of process opportunities to meet growing demand.
fischer group and ITL are now working on the next stage of their partnership to respond to the significant interest in HFQ® Technology with a focus on three areas: widening the aluminium alloy and supplier choice to OEMs (including recycled grades); co-developing novel solutions for EV enclosures; and applying ITL’s new simulation and alloy behaviour know-how refine and optimise the HFQ® process for future applications.
Jonathan Watkins, CEO of Impression Technologies said of the relationship: “Impression Technologies and fischer group have been working closely since 2019 and are building up a range of applications using the HFQ® Technology, with a strong focus on advanced electric vehicle structures. It is a perfect combination of capabilities and cultures. Working together, we are attracting increasing interest from OEMs in Europe and North America.”
Hans Peter Fischer, Managing Director of fischer group said about the strategic relationship: “I see significant potential for HFQ® structures in the global automotive sector. The fischer group will continue to invest in its capabilities across several markets to match the interest we are seeing and work closely with ITL to take the HFQ® technology to its full potential.”
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