This was the second time Tecman worked with TBAT, having previously used TBAT’s services to successfully obtain funding.
In summer 2016, Tecman Speciality Materials (Tecman) approached TBAT Innovation for assistance preparing a grant application to help obtaining £100K funding from the Innovate UK Materials and Manufacturing call to support further development of their pioneering Dual Action Adhesive Tape (DAAT®), a solution for metal-metal, and metal-composite structural bond applications. This was the second time Tecman worked with TBAT, having previously used TBAT’s services to successfully obtain funding in 2015 to conduct a Proof of Concept project to generate the first iteration of DAAT®.
DAAT® is a major innovation to help reduce the use of adhesives in the automotive industry. Through its ability to bond metal and composites, DAAT® is a key enabling technology to help the automotive industry lightweight vehicles. Reducing the weight of vehicles is a strategy of paramount importance to help reduce CO2 emissions. Moreover, by replacing the need for adhesives, DAAT® reduces the requirements for jigs and fixtures to hold panels together as they cure, thus speeding up production line processes, and the need for costly equipment.
After a discussion about the current status of DAAT®, and the work needed to support the next phase of development, TBAT and Tecman developed a project plan together.
The project is split into three major phases. The first phase is to conduct a research with key customers in the automotive industry to understand which metal-metal applications are most desired for DAAT®. The next phase will see Tecman complete computer modelling of DAAT® applied to key subcomponents identified from the customer research. Finally, Tecman will then manufacture prototypes of these components bonded with DAAT® to verify & validate the computer model predictions.
TBAT were able to guide Tecman through the planning progress, advising on fundable activities to expedite development of DAAT®, as well as helping to identify milestones and deliverables to drive the project forward.
DAAT® will be a game-changing technology; with development expedited by grant funding, Tecman will benefit commercially from obtaining a first mover advantage position. Future sales of DAAT® will increase revenue, staff and manufacturing capacity within Tecman as a result of this project.