Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT), Detroit, one of the founding institutes in the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation federal initiative, has posted an open call for two lightweight metal technology development projects in the areas of thermomechanical processing and coatings.

Each project focuses on a specific gap in U.S. manufacturing capabilities that LIFT technical committees have identified:

• Coatings - LIFT is interested in coatings that will enable greater use of aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel in new applications—specifically drop-in replacements for degreasing, deoxidation, and conversion coating; self-healing surface finishes; and coatings and surface treatments within rigorous model frameworks with demonstrated prognostic capabilities.
• Thermomechanical Processing - LIFT is interested in developing innovative technologies that use localized temperature control to enhance forming of AHSS into lightweight structures. Third-generation AHSS (3GAHSS) have been developed that have better strength and ductility combinations. LIFT envisions that controlling temperature, in combination with novel sheet metal forming methods, will offer more opportunities to use 3GAHSS in more applications across several industries.

LIFT is offering matching awards up to $1.25 million to support the project teams it selects. The teams must match LIFT funding on a minimum one-to-one basis and include meaningful participation from private industry.

“We are looking for proposals that offer novel approaches that are a significant technical advancement over current state-of-the-art technologies and show a clear path for rapidly transitioning to production,” said Alan Taub, chief technology officer at LIFT.

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