Lightweight Seating


SDC initiated research and development into a lightweight seating with the objective of reducing weight by at least 30%.


The approach was to return to first engineering principles by using topography software to map load paths through the structure.

A related study gave an aspiration to use ultra high strength steels in key areas of the design for reasons of recyclability, manufacturability and strength to weight. An introduction by the Transport INet to Tata Steel resulted in specific steel development for this application.

The weight reduction target has now been exceeded on designs for two very different applications with no loss of function or integrity.

 
Lightweight seat design