The project at a glance

Our experiment in action

The Tecnoproteo project develops an innovative process for forming thermoplastic composite sheets made with recycled materials, intended for bodywork elements of cars.

The experimentation involves six partners including companies and research centers and holds significant importance for both the Piedmont region and Italy. The project aims to produce medium to large prototypes for the automotive industry and other sectors. It focuses on developing innovative solutions for industrial production that offer environmental and economic advantages.

Within the framework of territorial development policy design, definition, and implementation, the Piedmont Region finances 50% of Tecnoproteo’s activities. The project aligns with the objectives of the SWIch Call for Proposals, supporting business research, development, and innovation activities in line with the Piedmont Regional Programme E.R.D.F. 2021/2027.

Il gruppo di lavoro di Tecnoproteo presso la sede della capofila Eurodies

The Tecnoproteo working group. From left to right, front row: Ludovico Focato, Vincenzo Rosati, and Giovanni Marongiu (Eurodies); Andrea Pipino (CRF – Stellantis); Ivan Vazzoler (F.T. Famat); Silvia Avataneo, Stefano Forzano, and Andrea Tassone (CRF – Stellantis).

In the second row, from left: Domenico D’Angelo (Environment Park); Franco Lombardi and Pasquale Russo (Politecnico di Torino); Marina Berrino and Roberto Ramella (Eurodies); Luigi Panza (Politecnico di Torino).

Our big goals

The experimental project studies the characteristics of the new components to evaluate their ability to replace metal ones, preserving the experience and current plants of the partners.

The implementation of the results on an industrial scale will expand the range of achievable products, making them more adaptable to different uses, including multi-sector applications.

During the research phase, the behavior and evolution of prototypes will be monitored to analyze the environmental and economic impact of the component. This analysis will also assess the sustainability of product manufacturing, maintenance, and end-of-life reuse.

The "upcycling" model

Tecnoproteo exemplifies upcycling by enhancing material recovery and transformation. This creative process goes beyond simple recycling, breathing new life and purpose into materials by reinventing their function.

To explore

Ambitious aims
Technological challenges
Industrial impact
Innovative scope

CRF CENTRO RICERCHE FIAT - STELLANTIS

In addition to its role as Stellantis’ representative as the end user of innovation, the Fiat Research Center is an applied research center of the automotive industry, founded in 1978 as a reference for the group’s innovation.

The significant experience of the CRF Materials Department will allow an evaluation of the replaceability and functionality of the new components.

Tecnoproteo aims to create a lightweight component with a low environmental impact for both internal combustion and electric vehicles. Consequently, thorough validation of its features and advantages will be crucial.

The development and construction of prototypes will facilitate a precise evaluation of the sustainability of manufacturing, maintenance, and end-of-life reuse or recycling procedures.

Progetti di automobili del CRF – Centro Ricerche Fiat di Stellantis con effetti grafici avveniristici

POLITECNICO DI TORINO

A prestigious public institution, the Politecnico di Torino is a national and international reference for education, research, technological transfer and services in the fields of Architecture and Engineering.

The Departments of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP) and Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) at Politecnico di Torino focus on the technological, economic, and organizational dimensions of goods and services production systems.

Tecnoproteo engages Politecnico di Torino, involving two of its divisions. This collaboration aligns with Polito’s mission to support the growth of Piedmont’s production sector.

The University offers its proficiency in industrial research and development. Specifically, DIGEP investigates molding phases and sheet behavior, while DISAT analyzes material properties before and after forming.

Esterni e interno del Politecnico di Torino: Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, ampliamenti campus, Lingotto.

F.T. Famat

F.T. Famat, since 1988, designs and creates tailor made solutions for industrial automation, constantly investing in research and development, with a focus on new technologies.

The activity led by F.T. Famat aims to optimize the coupling of materials and to support the thermoforming process. The skills in plant engineering and ICT of the partner are fundamental to create the expected value along the supply chain of the project partners.

Thanks to its experience on industrial processes and surface treatments, F.T. Famat studies, for Tecnoproteo, the industrial process meant to make the textile fibers functional, by increasing their impregnation capacity and adhesion to the matrix, thus enabling the creation of the components.

The company will increase its skills both in the field of surface treatments, and in the development of automation and control solutions through sensors for special applications.

Tecnologie e prodotti realizzati da FT Famat, specializzata in automazione industriale su misura

ENVIRONMENT PARK

Environment Park, a Technology Park with a 25-year history of fostering innovation for environmental sustainability in Turin, collaborates with Tecnoproteo to expand the knowledge base in surface treatments, Life Cycle Assessment, and Ecodesign.

The partner’s expertise in developing process and product innovations with minimal environmental impact is crucial.

Environment Park will conduct the Life Cycle Costing-Life Cycle Assessment study for Tecnoproteo, encompassing all project phases and the entire production chain, along with industrialization plans.

A significant portion of the work will focus on updating market analyses to identify solutions for maintaining a competitive edge, assessing the patentability of proposed technological solutions, and validating their application potential.

Environment Park di Torino: scorci esterni e interni della sede, con laboratori di ricerca e pannelli solari

2Gamma

2Gamma deals with the design and production of technical thermoplastic films and composite material sheets.

The company has significant expertise in the manufacturing of a wide range of laminate products. It is equipped with hot lamination plants with particular innovative features useful for controlling the process and capable of maintaining a high degree of flexibility depending on the raw materials to be processed.

The experience in coupling thermoplastic and thermosetting materials is the necessary requirement to arrive at the development of new materials.

2Gamma has, for some time, been looking for alternative processes to produce thermoplastic composite laminates, useful to expand its product offering and to reach a wider number of sectors.

Esempi di pannelli in materiali compositi e sede dell’azienda 2Gamma

Eurodies

The leader Eurodies has its roots in the design of dies and related production of metal prototypes and, for several years, has been producing complex structural parts, also characterized by significant thicknesses.

Tecnoproteo aims to apply its expertise in industrial processes for sheet metal components to produce thermoformed products suitable for the automotive industry and other sectors.

The extensive expertise in sheet metal forming is paramount to the successful execution of the project, to ascertain component manufacturability, and to ensure the viability of the industrial process, thereby optimizing all relevant facets.

Eurodies will use composite sheets to develop an aerodynamic shield. This shield will be installed on the vehicle’s undercarriage, functioning as both an underbody cover and an aerodynamic component.

3 scorci di Eurodies Italia, Avigliana: area fresatura, veduta dello stabilimento dall’alto e team in reparto assemblaggio