SoftSlide

General project data

• Abstract: Industrialization and commercialization of texturing production processes during molding of dynamic joints to improve energy efficiency and durability.
• Description: H2020 Fast Track to Innovation Pilot Softslide.
• File number: 760680.
• Date of grant: —.
• Dates of execution: 01/05/2016 – 31/12/2019.

Presentation and objectives

The main objective of the SoftSlide project is to generate 60M revenue , 19.9M profit and 350 new jobs with the commercialization of the SoftSlide technology in the European elastomeric and plastic dynamic seals market , with a market share of 15%. SoftSlide technology will have a positive impact on the seals industry generating around 3315M per year of energy savings for end users of hydraulic and pneumatic components. Energy losses caused by friction in dynamic joints in the rotation, linear motion and oscillation of devices (e.g. motors, valves, air compressors, accumulators…) represent 25% of the total energy consumed. In addition, the effect of friction on dynamic seals causes damage to the seal surface over time, thereby reducing its service life. Although it is common knowledge that it is possible to obtain low-friction dynamic seals by special designs and by etching micro-patterns on the seal contact surface (contact area with the moving mechanism), mass production of today’s seals does not incorporate this important step. To obtain low-friction dynamic seals, it is necessary that these micro-patterns are individually engraved, joint by joint, in a separate downstream process, once the seal has been manufactured. This considerably increases the cost and limits the production of low friction dynamic seals, making it impossible for the end user to include this step in their production system. SoftSlide has created a mass production process that transfers these micro-patterns during the molding stage to obtain low-friction, high-performance dynamic seals. This process can be easily implemented by dynamic seal manufacturers with a negligible increase in production cost.

Participating entities

• ML ENGRAVING SRL (as project leader).
• REAGENT CHEMICAL SERVICES LIMITED.
• SKM AERONAUTICS LTD.
• GOTTFRIED WILHELM LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITAET HANNOVER.
• TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF ARAGON.

Call for applications

Horizon 2020. Research and Innovation Framework Programme. Call FoF-03-2016: Zero-defects strategies at system level for multi-stage manufacturing in production lines.

Budget

• Total bankable budget of the project: 5,092,985.00 .
• Bankable budget of ITAINNOVA: 863,750.00 .

Financing

• Total project grant: 4,159,145.00 .
• Grant to ITAINNOVA: 863,750.00 .

This project has received funding from the European Union through of the H2020 Program. Research and Innovation Framework Programme.