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A professional neoprene products manufacturer from France is looking for a new waterproof and stretch assembly technology.

Summary

Closed for EoI
Profile Type
Technology request
POD Reference
TRFR20231201014
Term of Validity
1 December 2023 - 30 November 2024
Company's Country
France
Type of partnership
Research and development cooperation agreement
Targeted Countries
All countries
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General information

Short Summary
Today, the neoprene products company designs products in GBS (Glue Blind Stitch). For tomorrow, Its ambition is to find a waterproof and stretch assembly that could replace GBS. The company would like to find companies interested in research and development to innovate in the assembly of neoprene wetsuits.
Full Description
Neoprene wetsuits, made from a 3-layer laminated component (Textile Lining - Neoprene FOAM - Textile lining) are now assembled using GBS (Glue Blind Stitching).*

GBS assembly is a manual process that we can't automatize. This generates variations in production quality.
The component is a real constraint on the assembly of neoprene suits. We use vulcanized foam, which is fragile and insulating (no US / Laser ...) and we laminate this foam with different types of knitted textile (PA - PES ...). To design our suits, we assemble components of different thicknesses with linings of different materials.

Our aim is to find an assembly that can be industrialized, enabling us to maintain production stability.
The solution needs to be stretchy, waterproof and durable for use in salt water.
The seams should be flexible enough to follow the athlete's movements, offering great freedom of movement.
Water must not penetrate the seam to provide real thermal protection for athletes in the water.
The solution will be used in salt water and exposed to sunlight. The solution must therefore be resistant to salty water, humidity and UV rays.

* GBS is an assembly where two components are glued edge-to-edge and then sewn together, without penetrating the component from one side to the other, to reinforce the joint.
Gluing is manual on the component edges. It's difficult to make a seam with the right settings.
Advantages and Innovations
Benefits of innovation in neoprene assembly:
- Make the process industrializable
- Improve thermal insulation of wetsuits
- Improve assembly durability
- Reduce the environmental impact of the assembly process
Stage of Development
Concept stage
Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-beingGoal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
IPR description
We expect our partner to explore innovative solutions that will enable us to assemble our products in laminated neoprene. A solution that meets the specific needs of our products

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
We expect our partner to explore innovative solutions that will enable us to assemble our products in laminated neoprene. A solution that meets the specific needs of our products
Type and Size of Partner
Big companySME <=10UniversityR&D InstitutionSME 50 - 249OtherSME 11-49
Type of partnership
Research and development cooperation agreement

Call details

Coordinator required
Yes

Dissemination

Technology keywords
02001 - Design and Modelling / Prototypes
Market keywords
08005 - Other Industrial Products (not elsewhere classified)
Sector Groups Involved
Textiles
Targeted countries
All countries