The main goal of the project PolyMetal is the transnational cooperation, networking, and joint R&D of SMEs as well as of R&D institutions on the development of polymer-based solutions. Optimized for the specific application, these polymers are capable of replacing stainless steel or aluminum for structurally demanding products in varios fields. In this context, the joint R&D activities are focusing on a promising research area, the development, and processing of cost-efficient, metallic-looking and -feeling polymers. So far, for higher aesthetic value of high-end products, stainless steel, and aluminum are used for the manufacturing of parts of home appliances, lights, sports equipment, etc. For the manufacturing of more complex shapes, the use of metal is technically demanding, expensive, and time consuming.
At the final conference, the results of the successful cross-border collaboration between the research institutions Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO), Montanuniversitaet Leoben (MUL), and Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH (PCCL) in cooperation with the industrial partners Gorenje gospodinjski aparati d.o.o., Richard Hiebler GmbH, and Intra lighting d.o.o. will be presented. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to discuss with PolyMetal experts in B2B meetings (in attendance or via MS Teams by appointment) how the research outcomes could be useful for their business cases.