Mitsui Chemicals POLYMETAC to be Used in New Lightweight UAV Frames

By Mike Ball / 24 Aug 2015
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Mitsui Chemicals Inc. has announced that the company’s unique metal resin integral technology, POLYMETAC, has been selected for use in the frames of new autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles which are currently being developed by Aerosense Inc., a joint venture of Sony Mobile Communications Inc. and ZMP Inc.

Aerosense UAV

Aerosense UAV

POLYMETAC is Mitsui Chemicals’ new technology for strong adhesion and bonding of various metals and resins, a process that has not been possible using conventional methods. In adddition, POLYMETAC cuts weight and helps to reduce the number of parts and steps in the manufacturing processes, and provides totally new hybrid solutions.

POLYMETAC technology

CFRP and aluminum joint parts using POLYMETAC technology

The new joint parts greatly enhance the structural rigidity of aerial vehicles while significantly reducing weight and providing simpler designs by eliminating the need for fasteners such as bolts.

“Our autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles provide solutions to various industrial needs. It is important that we are able to provide greater flight distances and improved performance by reducing weight and the number of parts while ensuring durability and strength of our aerial vehicles,” says Hisashi Taniguchi, CEO of Aerosense. “Mitsui Chemicals’ POLYMETAC technology makes it possible to extend flight distance by 40%, providing our customers with greater added value.”

“POLYMETAC allows adhesion and bonding of various metals and resins, and for the current project, CFRP and aluminum parts were integrated by its technology,” says Akio Hirahara, General Manager of Mitsui Chemicals’ New Market Development (Automotive Materials) Division. “Mitsui Chemicals used its cutting edge simulation technology to design simple joint shapes with a single part which were originally composed of approximately 20 pieces. The technology contributes to a 50% weight reduction of joint parts while improving rigidity.”

Mitsui Chemicals will continue to pursue new uses and development of POLYMETAC technology for state-of-the-art lightweight solutions in automotive and electrical applications.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact
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