PIVOT project aims for lighter and more sustainable solutions for cast aluminium

Supported by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the project aims to transform vehicle manufacturing by creating lighter, more sustainable components using Altair’s artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation capabilities.

Led by Sarginsons Industries, the PIVOT project brings together key partners including Aston Martin, Brunel University London, and metal recycling specialists GESCRAP.

The initiative will develop software that combines casting simulation, topology optimisation, and AI, which will enable organisations to design components optimised for weight, structural performance, and manufacturability.

According to Altair, these breakthroughs will result in cast aluminium structures that are up to 30 per cent lighter while maintaining performance requirements.

“This collaboration demonstrates how our AI-powered engineering technology enables manufacturers to develop more efficient vehicle components, cutting down on weight and drastically reducing environmental impact,” Sam Mahalingam, CTO at Altair said in a statement.

Funded in part by a £2.9m government grant from Innovate UK and APC, the PIVOT project will focus on using 100 per cent recycled aluminium to reduce embedded carbon emissions in vehicle components by up to 95 per cent.