PROVE - Production Readiness Of Very light-weight Exhausts

Unipart Eberspächer排气系统公司（UEES）、阿斯顿·马丁·拉贡达有限公司（AML）、JSE有限公司（JSE）和考文垂大学（CU）最近完成了一项利基汽车网络（Niche Vehicle Networks）的研发项目，通过使用手工焊接的薄型材料、减少零件数量、探索高级不锈钢和制造工艺的极限，创造出一种超轻型排气系统，同时保持阿斯顿·马丁排气系统的可交付性。总体而言，系统重量从27.8公斤减少到15.1公斤，减少了45%，这通常与钛有关。这个项目现在寻求开发创新的制造技术，这些技术将需要在商业基础上生产这种系统。为了实现这一目标，需要在以下领域进行创新：与增压管弯曲能力相关的工具设计和性能；克服同心性和共轴性挑战的夹具设计与制造；并在机器人焊接技术，以确保一致的，可重复的性能。项目预计历时9个月，2016年3月底结束。

Unipart Eberspächer Exhaust Systems (UEES), Aston Martin Lagonda Limited (AML), JSE Limited (JSE) and Coventry University (CU) recently completed a Niche Vehicle Networks CR&D project to create an ultra-light-weight exhaust by using hand welded thin-gauge material, reducing part count and exploring the boundaries of high grade stainless steel and manufacturing processes, while maintaining Aston Martin exhaust system deliverables. Overall, the system weight reduced by 45% from 27.8 kg to 15.1 kg, a saving normally associated with titanium. This project now seeks to develop the innovative manufacturing techniques which will be required to produce such systems on a commercial basis. In order to achieve this, innovation will be required in the fields of: tooling design and performance in relation to boost tube bending capability; jig design and manufacture to overcome the challenges of concentricity and co-axiality; and in robotic weld techniques to ensure consistent, repeatable performance. The project is scheduled to last for 9 months and conclude at the end of March 2016.