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Innovative lightweight, high performing caliper body

Country of Origin: Italy
Reference Number: TOIT20170213002
Publication Date: 13 February 2017

Summary

An Italian SME active in the field of new advanced materials and technological solutions for different sectors, developed a patented technology for new caliper bodies consisting of carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic resin joined with aluminum. The company seeks industrial partners operating in the automotive area and related fields to license the patent either through exclusive or non exclusive licence agreements or in the context of technical cooperation agreements.

Description

Brake calipers are a safety-critical component, which operates at severe conditions, such as constant high mechanical stresses and elevated temperatures. Today, there is a demanding need of optimising such components in terms of mechanical properties and weight. There are actually relatively few engineering materials suitable for manufacturing lightweight calipers, like aluminum and engineered plastics. 
In order to obtain high performing caliper with weight saving, the Italian company has developed a new caliper composed of a part in thermoplastic resin reinforced with carbon fibres joined with aluminium. This assembly permits to have sufficient weight reduction, as well as high mechanical strength and structural rigidity. In particular, fibre reinforced thermoplastic resins can guarantee mass savings but are also able to infer and maintain high mechanical properties even at high temperatures.
The versatile configuration of the caliper can be used for different class of motorcycles and cars. Another important feature of the technology is the very straightforward and economical manufacturing process, which enables high volume production capabilities of caliper adaptable to any brake with customized size and shape. This will enable the application of such caliper even to economy cars, and thus take over a large market share. The Italian company has long-term experience in innovative solutions for material and coating for brake systems and has developed many innovative solutions for the customers. A large number of production facilities and process expertise are offered together with analytical and testing services to monitor the entire process and material performance at different stages.
The envisaged cooperation sought can be both license or technology cooperation agreement. The main scope is the marketing of a technology with high potentiality for both high-volume and high value-added niche products. In the case of technology transfer the company will provide its expertise and know-how in order to adapt the technology to a customised product and/or a process to meet technical and market needs. Development will be supported by feasibility study including customised tests for a specific application. The partner is expected to provide a technical support for the target application as well as sharing or making available necessary facilities.
Alternatively the company is also available for a Licensing Agreement in return for a fee or share of royalties.

Advantages and Innovations

The technology proposed addresses one of the most critical challenges of brake calipers, namely performance improvement at reduced weight. The core of the innovation is the use carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic resin, which can be intimately joined with lightweight metals such as aluminium. This assembly permits to have sufficient weight reduction, as well as high mechanical strength and structural rigidity. Moreover, the mechanical features are maintained even at high temperatures.
The advantages proposed by the invention are numerous:
• Lower weight in comparison to most common lightweight calipers made of aluminiun
• Higher mechanical strength and structural rigidity in comparison to standard lightweight calipers
• Outstanding mechanical features are maintained even at high temperatures
• Adaptable to any braking system configuration (e.g. monoblock or two-piece) for cars and motorcycles (both economy and racing category)
• High volume production capabilities, consistent quality, tight tolerances
• High driving comfort
• Economization of fuel consumption

Stage Of Development

Prototype available for demonstration

Stage Of Development Comment

Several prototypes have been produced and experimentally tested

Requested partner

Industrial partners operating in the automotive area and related fields, interested in the patent either through exclusive or non-exclusive licence agreements, or in the context of technical cooperation agreements.
The partner is expected to provide a technical support for the target application as well as sharing or making available necessary facilities.
Alternatively the company is also available for a Licensing Agreement in return for a fee or share of royalties.

Cooperation offer ist closed for requests