Projects
From technology scouting to new applications and markets
Aluminium Foam
Innovation Cells identified potential markets that could benefit from the low weight and high surface area of open-celled aluminium foam.Just mix salt, flour, water and aluminium
“Our world needs more and more heat exchange systems. Aluminium foam has great potential because it offers superior capacities with less volume and weight.”
The Mechanical Metallurgy Laboratory at EPFL developed a unique process to produce metal foam, using salt dough, a component children know so well.
Sandwich Composite Bridge
Innovation Cells created the concept for an easy-to-install and durable highway bridge.A bridge to something new
Despite many advances in Materials Science, bridges are still constructed in the same way as when horse and carriage ruled the road. Using outdated materials for modern bridges has led to deteriorating structures, requiring frequent repair.Our client, 3A Composites, asked: Can our composite materials be used to build more durable bridges?
The strength of steel, the weight of aluminium
Constellium Speciality Sheet Singen had an idea for a new alloy that combines very high strength with the excellent corrosion resistance and low weight of aluminium. With a few target applications in mind, the challenge was to identify markets and customers who would benefit most from this project.
Constellium Specialty Sheet Singen wondered, is there sufficient demand to begin producing this product?
A customized and cross-functional innovation process
“Innovation does no longer equal R&D. This is yesterday’s approach. We need more cross-functional collaboration for innovation.”
Constellium’s business unit for Aerospace, Transportation and Industry, asked Innovation Cells to develop a customized, cross-functional innovation process. Inspired by the standard Stage Gate process, the process is customized to the specifics of the aluminium industry and Constellium’s needs as a company.
Smart Materials
Innovation Cells identified opportunities for Alcan Global Aerospace to improve its product offer using smart materials, like magneto-rheological fluid, which changes viscosity in the presence of a magnetic field.I feel therefore I do
“Smart Materials are a big trend. We have to understand them better, and see what is in it for us.” This is how this project originated for Constellium Global Aerospace. Imagine airplane wings able to change shape to adapt to fl ight conditions, thanks to piezolectrics.
Imagine composite materials able to heal themselves after they crack, thanks to integrated capsules.
Solar Collector
Innovation Cells developed a concept for a high efficiency and low cost solar collector that uses Alcan Solar Surface® 992.Proven material in new context
For years aluminium mirrors have been used for indoor lighting fixtures. In 2006, some innovative customers started using these mirrors to make solar collectors. To increase its share of this new market, Constellium Specialty Sheet created an aluminium mirror material especially for solar applications, Solar Surface® 992.
But Constellium still wondered: Can we help customers improve their products in order to grow this emerging market further?
Alumnium Solar Roof
Innovation Cells concept for a solar roof incorporates energy and heat production directly into the roof structure instead of using separate solar panels.A power plant above your head
As homeowners work to improve their carbon footprint, solar panels are gaining popularity. However, installing them on rooftops can be challenging and often results in unattractive patchworks, which has led some communities to ban solar panels altogether, for aesthetic reasons.
Constellium Extruded Products wondered, why do solar panels have to be so ugly?
Contact
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Constellium Innovation Cells
EPFL - Quartier de l'innovation Batiment E CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland Phone: +41 21 694 26 00 Fax: +49 21 694 26 10 |
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Innovation Cells
EPFL Quartier de l'Innovation
Bâtiment E
CH - 1015 Lausanne
+41 21 694 2600
Switzerland
Innovation Cells is part of:
Constellium
Max-Högger-Str. 6
Ch - 8048 Zürich
Switzerland
Design & Implementation:
K16 GmbH
Sandthorquai-Hof
Pickhuben 2
20457 Hamburg
Germany
+ 49 40 41 00 44 0
Content Management System:
A CONSTELLIUM UNIT
Innovation Cells is an independent innovation unit of Constellium, a world-leading producer of semi-finished Aluminium products.
In addition to providing innovation services to Constellium, Innovation Cells also works for external customers across a range of industries.
