Lightweight Vehicle Frame From Michigan Makes Successful Debut at SEMA Show

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The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center in Plymouth Township has designed a lightweight aftermarket car frame, along with body prototypes, that was displayed at the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The frame was developed by several entities in the automotive engineering industry, including the MEP National Network, Detroit Engineered Products (DEP), Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT), the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, and the University of Tennessee.

“The Center’s and DEP’s lead engineers received invaluable support from this team of experts,” says Gregg Peterson, principal materials engineer at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. “Partnering with MEP centers and Manufacturing USA institutes was a new approach for our team and we’re thrilled with the final product. It’s a great example of the breakthrough innovation that can be achieved when working collaboratively.”

Following the SEMA show, the Center is pursuing investments to fund production of the frames including tooling and testing.

“DEP was able to bring our deep expertise in software development, applying our patented ‘MeshWorks  8.0’ morphing software to the lightweight frame, allowing it to be more versatile and fit nearly any vehicle length and width,” says John Gelmisi, director of business development for DEP.

“We were proud to join leaders from Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center and industry partners who applied advanced engineering to this project, including an innovative combination of materials and joint adhesives.”

More information about the lightweight frame can be read here.