Harnessing industry excellence
Project challenges
The challenge was to demonstrate the feasibility of automated manufacture of automotive wiring systems.
Business challenge
Product Innovation
Sector
Electrification
Technology or capability
Additive Manufacturing
MTC and REE Automotive Drive Innovation in Electric Vehicle Wiring Harness Production.
MTC has joined forces with REE Automotive to revolutionise the production of wiring harnesses for electric vehicles. Through this collaboration MTC has developed a cutting-edge capability with the potential to fully automate the braiding of complex, multi-branch automotive wiring harnesses - pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the industry.
The Challenge
With MTC’s novel new braiding technology the challenge was to demonstrate the feasibility of automated manufacture of automotive wiring systems, with high levels of productivity and quality with local supply.
MTC's Solution
• MTC identified the functional and performance requirements of the REE harness enabling them to design a braiding pattern and program for trials.
• MTC conducted supply chain analysis and material trials to identify optimal process parameters for replicating the high performance automotive harness using MTC braiding capability.
• MTC fine tuned the process to optimise the coverage of wires, achieving highly compact and consistent coverage for multi branch harness applications.
Working with the MTC gave us access to cutting-edge expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities that would have been out of reach for a start-up like REE. The development of an automotive-grade wiring harness using state-of-the-art braiding technology not only accelerated our technical understanding but also demonstrated a clear pathway toward localising supply chains in the future. The collaboration has been instrumental in exploring innovative solutions that will strengthen our competitiveness and sustainability going forward.
Chris Thompson, Head of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, REE Automotive
Benefits to the Client
• Demonstrated that automated production can surpass the quality and performance of traditional hand-crafted wiring harnesses.
• Showcased a scalable technology in a production environment, poised to meet high volume demand.
• Established a pioneering UK capability for producing multi-branch wiring harnesses, applicable across a wide range of industries, leveraging innovative technology, materials and designs.
• Demonstrates the potential to reshore manufacturing for greater control of supply.
