Hybrid technology as the next stage of gigacasting
FEV is going beyond the current state of the art and researching highly integrated body designs with hybrid production technologies. This involves combining flat sheet metal components with cast reinforcements. The result: a front end consisting of just three components that is up to 18% lighter than a purely cast version. In addition to saving weight, the new solution also enables more efficient assembly and lower production costs.
Holistic approach: CO₂, lifecycle and economic efficiency
Within the project, the partners are analyzing a gigacasting front end concept in comparison to a modern multi-material approach. Technological aspects, CO₂ balances, economic efficiency and life cycle assessments (LCA) are being comprehensively evaluated.
“We are integrating more and more functions directly into the vehicle structure in order to streamline processes and achieve maximum efficiency,” says Christian Kürten, Managing Director at FEV Vehicle.
At the same time, Dr. Hagen Wegner, Director at FEV Consulting, emphasizes that despite all the innovation, a balanced relationship between design, costs and sustainability remains crucial.