Imagine if you could 3D print a car part that is as strong as metal but as light as plastic, and also acts like a built-in radiator to keep things cool. Usually, you need a heavy metal box and a separate cooling system, which adds weight. This tech blends carbon fibers and metals together to do both jobs in one single piece.
Electric vehicle components are currently too heavy and expensive because they require separate, bulky cooling systems to manage heat in batteries and motors.
A multi-material 3D printing process for carbon fiber composites and metals. Deliverables include physical test coupons and functional test reports for battery and motor housings.
If you are a battery pack manufacturer dealing with heavy cooling systems and bulky housings — this project developed a multi-material 3D printing process that integrates structural support and thermal management into one part. This reduces overall vehicle weight and eliminates the need for separate heat exchangers.
If you are an aircraft component supplier dealing with the poor thermal conductivity of carbon fiber composites — this project developed a way to combine these composites with metals and nanotechnology. This allows for lighter, stronger parts than aluminum or steel that can still dissipate heat.
If you are an electric motor designer dealing with power losses and heat dissipation — this project developed 3D printed motor housings with dual functionality. This replaces heavy traditional materials with a more cost-effective, lightweight structure.
It replaces bulky designs and heavy materials with integrated parts that combine structural and cooling features, making the production more cost-effective than traditional methods.
Based on available project data, the project is developing and validating the process through test coupons and functional tests for batteries and motors, but full industrial scale is not yet confirmed.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the project involves a consortium of 10 partners including 5 industry players.
The project runs from 2022-12-01 to 2025-11-30, meaning the final validated results will be available toward the end of 2025.
The project uses additive manufacturing techniques like Material Extrusion and Laser Metal Deposition, which change the production method from traditional assembly to 3D printing.
The consortium is highly industry-driven with a 50% industry ratio, consisting of 5 industrial partners (including 3 SMEs) and 5 research/academic entities. Spanning 8 countries, this balance suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and practical application rather than pure theoretical research.
Contact FUNDACION CENTRO TECNOLOGICO METALMECANICA Y DEL TRANSPORTE (CETEMET) in Spain
Contact us to connect with the MULTHEM consortium for licensing and technology transfer.
