Wevolver, Mitsubishi launch KyronMAX composites design challenge

Wevolver (Amsterdam, Netherlands) in partnership with materials company, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (Lenzburg, Switzerland), announced on Jan. 26 the launch of the KyronMAX Design Challenge. Designers from around the world are invited to submit a product, part, or concept that uses KyronMAX’s range of high-strength, carbon fiber-based composites and its KyronMAX manufacturing platform. The winner of the challenge will receive $25,000 worth of manufacturing services and support to realize their idea into a physical prototype.

According to Wevolver, KyronMAX is the strongest injection moldable product available. Easily processable, the material can be molded using the same equipment and tooling as standard or unfilled resins, while compounds can be customized to meet application requirements. The material features high strength in complex part geometries (55k+ PSI tensile strength), is said to be 75% lighter than steel and almost 50% lighter than aluminum and retains a 30% lower component cost per unit. Stronger, lighter and longer-lasting than other thermoplastic composite and metal parts, Wevolver adds that KyronMAX composites are recyclable at end of life.

Use of the KyronMAX platform for this challenge will offers designers the ability to create injection molding products made from the KyronMAX material with no limit to geometry, and without any of the traditional setup costs of injection molding. The platform uses 3D printing to create molds that allow materially accurate prototypes to be created in days.

The challenge winner will work closely with the KyronMAX team to develop their submission and make it ready for production. The winning package includes support with:

• Material selection
• Part design
• Testing and production of a functional prototype using SPRINT (Soluble PRinted INjection Tooling) technology
• Setup of production scale-up plan
• Assessment of the project’s sustainability and recycling potential in order to create zero waste.

In addition, KyronMAX and Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials will facilitate investment opportunities and assist with potential future co-branding activities. The winners will provide a compelling explanation of how they utilized the properties and sustainability of the KyronMAX suite of materials and platform offer. Entries close on March 12, 2021.