UK – During its participation in the Manufacturability of Advanced Passenger Seats (MAPS) programme alongside Formaplex, the company will focus on reducing structural weight by using composite panels made from recycled carbon fibre, while maintaining high volume and controlling costs. The goal is to develop a seat frame which is 30% lighter than a conventional steel structure.
In addition to the weight saving versus metallic structures, the aim is to reduce manufacturing time compared with current methods for composite seats. The company said it would “achieve European homologation standards whilst being affordable for both low- and high-volume vehicles”.
“Gordon Murray Design is pleased to be an active participant in this important UK research initiative,” said Gordon Murray, chairman of the company. “The MAPS partnership brings together recognised industry professionals in order to address the exciting challenges associated with the development of new materials and processes necessary to ensure that new innovations can be implemented in a cost-effective and robust manner, appropriate for mass production.”
The part-funded project, taking place within the government’s Innovate UK framework, is due to last for 12 months.
