Aluminium foam component increases passive safety of the crew in Audi Q7

Our institute had long cooperation with the Austrian company Alulight GmbH, Ranshofen. Result of one of our cooperations was little deformation component made from aluminum foam serving to increase passive safety of crew in Audi Q7 during a rear impact, in 2006.

The component is mounted in the holder of partition that separates the luggage compartment from the cabin. In the event of an accident, it absorbs impact energy thereby avoiding tear off the partition and luggage break into the cabine.

The component was developed up to the prototype level, at our institute. After testing, it was launched into automated mass production in the Alulight GmbH. It was produced 120 000 units per year. It was the largest mass production of automobile part from aluminum foam in the world.