MAPgears
Advanced materials, methodologies and technologies for the development of lightweight power transmission components for drives technology
The MAPgears project is a project co-funded by the Republic of Slovenia - Ministry of Education, Science and Sport - and the European Union – European Regional Development Fund.
The area covered by the project is: Mobility - Introduction of advanced materials and technologies through automation of production processes (Priority Area S4).
Duration of project: 1 September 2018 - 31 December 2021
Project co-financing value: 1,870,051.47 €
Project partners:
- Podkrižnik d.o.o.
- Polycom Škofja Loka d.o.o. , Branch Crnomelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
- Fakulteta za tehnologijo polimerov
- TECOS, Slovenian Tool and Die Development Center
The main objective of the project is the development of advanced power transmission drive component from polymer materials (gear pairs) with high added value and high market potential in global markets.
Polymers are often used in light components of power transmission systems (for example, gears). However, in many cases, metal is still the first choice because it still has better properties than existing polymers. In addition, in all industries, the need for components with advanced properties is increasing, which cannot yet be achieved with any currently available material.
In order to achieve the goal, holistic approach will be used that combines the research and development activities of two innovative SMEs and four internationally recognized research institutions in the field of advanced materials, material characterization, optimized design of high geometric precision products and innovative technologies in tooling and smart material processing.
Improvements and innovations will address objectives such as reducing the weight of components by replacing metal parts with polymeric, enhanced mechanical, morphological, tribological and acoustic properties, longer lifetime, increased energy efficiency and reduced production costs.
The objectives and activities of the project are focused on the selection and development of innovative solutions in the following areas:
- Optimization and development of materials
- Methods for developing products from advanced materials
- Simulation planning and tool making
- Innovative manufacturing technologies
- Testing and validating prototypes
More details on the results of the public tender "Promoting the implementation of research and development projects (TRL 3-6)" can be found on the website of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia here.