Addyx is a high-tech startup company based in Italy that specializes in the development and production of advanced composite manufacturing solutions. Their core innovation is a patented water-soluble expanding mandrel technology that enables the efficient production of complex-shaped hollow composite structures.
Addyx’s activities involve designing and manufacturing these mandrels, as well as providing technical support and expertise to industries such as aerospace, motorsport, automotive and sports equipment.
Interview with Matteo Di Fulvio, CTO & Co-Founder of Addyx.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Matteo Di Fulvio: The main areas of activity for Addyx revolve around the integration of additive manufacturing in the composite supply chain. We focus on developing and producing the water-soluble expanding mandrels, as well as offering design and engineering support for the manufacturing process. Our goal is to enable the production of high-performance, lightweight, and cost-effective hollow composite structures that meet the demanding requirements of various industries. We are facing new challenges on the topological optimization topic, by the development of the “carbon exoskeleton”, an innovation we preset at JEC Composites 2023 that allowed us to be among the best 20 start-ups in the world in the field of composites.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
M.D.F: We are proud to announce our latest breakthrough in carbon exoskeleton technology. This revolutionary approach combines the strength and lightness of carbon fiber with a unique internal structure, resulting in enhanced performance and structural integrity for a wide range of applications. The carbon exoskeleton consists of a system of topology-optimized long CF ribs on the internal side of hollow components, improving the stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios of the laminate. It is an ideal solution to avoid the usage of sandwich structures, increasing the quality of the laminate and reducing the final cost.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
M.D.F: Our product range primarily consists of the water-soluble expanding mandrels, which are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different design requirements. These mandrels are designed to be compatible with common manufacturing processes such as autoclave, oven curing, and resin transfer molding (RTM).
Among our products:
Additionally, we offer technical support and expertise to assist our customers in implementing our technology effectively.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
M.D.F: In the market where Addyx is currently active, we are at a stage of rapid growth and adoption. The composite industry has been increasingly recognizing the benefits of complex-shaped hollow structures, and there is a growing demand for innovative solutions that can enable their efficient production. We are suppliers of F1 teams, motorsport, automotive and aerospace companies with a number of new customers testing our technology every month.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
M.D.F: Market trends in the composite industry indicate a shift towards lightweight and high-performance materials, as well as a growing emphasis on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. There is a rising demand for composite structures that offer improved strength-to-weight ratios, fuel efficiency, and durability. Addyx’s innovative technology aligns with these trends by enabling the production of complex-shaped hollow structures that are lighter, stronger, and more affordable than traditional alternatives.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
M.D.F: Addyx’s WSM-170, the water-soluble expanding mandrel is a true innovation in the field of composites. This technology represents a significant advancement in the field of composite manufacturing as it allows for the production of complex-shaped hollow structures with unprecedented design freedom and efficiency. The mandrel’s unique properties and compatibility with different manufacturing processes make it a game-changer in the industry, offering customers a highly versatile and cost-effective solution. Last but not least, our WSM-170 is the ideal solution for the production of the Carbon Exoskeleton which is our most innovative product with no doubt, combining advanced composite materials with topological optimization techniques. This unique internal structure significantly improves performance while reducing weight, leading to more efficient and durable products.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
M.D.F: In terms of estimations for 2023, Addyx anticipates further growth and expansion. We aim to strengthen our position in the market by expanding our customer base and increasing our presence in key industries. We will continue to invest in research and development to enhance our technology and offer new innovative solutions. Additionally, we foresee collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders to further accelerate the adoption of our technology and drive the advancement of composite manufacturing.
