LiTES
Lightweight Technology for Structural Components
Scope/Framework
The LITES project comprises of industrial research activities aimed at the acquisition of knowledge and the experimentation of concepts in a laboratory/simulated environment, as well as the application of this knowledge in the effective experimental development of prototypes, using new materials and advanced manufacturing processes, testing them in an industrial context, in order to obtain their technical-scientific validation, with the ultimate goal of developing and validating prototypes of lightweight integral roofs for the road and rail sectors.
Main objective
The LITES project aims to develop and validate lightweight integral roof prototypes for the road and rail sectors, raising technological maturity through industrial research, laboratory experimentation, experimental development and advanced manufacturing processes.
Project activities and expected results
The LITES project has a total duration of 36 months and the work is expected to achieve the following advances:
Lightweight integral roofs
Design and develop lightweight structural components for vehicle roofs (structurally safe, durable and of large dimensions), achieving at least 20% weight reduction (around 150–175 kg per roof) when compared with traditional metal construction.
Modularity of the solution
Develop a modular system integrating all infrastructures, ensuring easier application with fewer assembly operations, minimising human error, reducing raw material consumption and guaranteeing system quality.
Reduced assembly time
Reduce roof assembly time in the vehicle by at least 25% compared to traditional metal construction.
Robotised production process for large dimension panels
Develop a robotised manufacturing process capable of producing structures up to 15 × 3 metres and total areas up to 45 m² (in this case, the integral roof).
Integration of functionalities in integral roofs
Develop a system that enables the integration of other subsystems in the integral roof, such as HVAC and lighting, with the corresponding industrial production capability.
Application of ecodesign principles to large structural components
Identify at least three ecodesign strategies that reduce the environmental impact throughout the life cycle of the roof (compared with conventional metal-based construction).