CUMI and ideaForge Technology are working to develop innovative nanomaterial reinforced structures to make drones lighter, stronger, smaller, and more durable
Chennai, August 17, 2023: Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), a pioneering organisation in the field of material sciences and part of the 120-year-old Murugappa Group today announced its collaboration with ideaForge Technology, India’s leading drone maker, to jointly develop cutting-edge nanomaterial reinforced composite parts for drones.
Nanomaterial reinforced composite materials (such as graphene reinforced polymers) hold the promise of transforming structural parts for aerospace applications. They offer several improvements in physical properties over standard composite materials which can include higher mechanical strength, greater toughness and stiffness, better electrical and thermal conductivity, superior fire retardancy and higher barrier to moisture and gases. Nanocomposites also offer unique design possibilities, which offer immense potential in creating materials with desired properties for specific applications. The use of the appropriate nanomaterials can help build drones that are smaller, lighter, stronger, and more durable, among others.
Speaking about the collaboration with CUMI, Sunil Jha, Sr Director of Engineering, ideaForge Technology said, “The use of nanomaterial reinforced composites in drones offers several exciting possibilities such as higher specific modulus or strength and is likely to shape the future of airframe and related structural components of drones. We are excited to partner with CUMI, which has done some pioneering and innovative work in the field of material science over the years.”
Subbu Venkatachalam, Head of Marketing, Carborundum Universal Limited, said, “ideaForge has done pioneering work in advancing drone technologies and building its position as the leader in the Indian unmanned aerial vehicles market. I am confident that with the deep expertise we have built in the field of materials, this partnership will bring some significant synergies and shape the next generation of drone technologies. We look forward to an exciting and rewarding collaboration that will significantly strengthen the ‘Make in India’ movement and chart new opportunities.”
CUMI’s Composites Manufacturing Division has over five decades of experience in the design, manufacturing, and testing of composites. CUMI’s composites facility develops cutting-edge composite technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including CFRP tubes, panels, landing gears, and customised composite structural parts for drones. Its dedicated dust-proof facility to manufacture CFRP parts for UAVs has process capabilities such as vacuum infusion and vacuum bagging, Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM), Pultrusion, and Filament Winding, among others.
About ideaForge Technology
ideaForge Technology is the leading drone manufacturer in India. It is a vertically integrated company equipped with an in-house product development centre, which allows the company to design, develop, engineer, and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its UAVs are equipped with industry leading specifications and capabilities, comparable to those of other established global players in the UAV industry. The company is ranked 7th globally in December 2022 in the dual-use category (civil & defense) drone manufacturers by Drone Industry Insights. ideaForge has the largest operational deployment of indigenous UAVs across India, with an ideaForge manufactured drone taking off every five minutes on average for surveillance and mapping applications as of March 31, 2023. The company’s customers have completed over 350,000 flights using ideaForge UAVs as of March 31, 2023.
About Carborundum Universal Limited
Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), established as a tripartite joint venture in 1954, is a leading materials sciences engineering solutions provider. CUMI’s consolidated revenue is Rs. 4650 crores and PAT of Rs. 414 crores for the financial year 2023. CUMI, part of the 120-year-old Murugappa Group, is listed on the NSE and BSE. CUMI is a Mines to Market Company whose integrated operations include mining, power generation, fusion, manufacturing, marketing and distribution. CUMI has over 5,500 employees worldwide who collaborate, innovate and develop high-quality material solutions serving customers in diverse industries including engineering, fabrication, auto and auto components, infrastructure, steel, glass, power generation and distribution, mining and aerospace. CUMI has a wide geographical presence spanning six continents and exports products to over 50 countries.
Contact:
Subramanian Venkatachalam, Head of Marketing, CUMI
[email protected]