The ancient art of origami, with its meticulous paper-folding techniques producing intricate designs, has improbably transcended its aesthetic origins to inspire a groundbreaking steel manufacturing method. Swedish technology company Stilfold AB, spearheaded by co-founders Tue Beijer and Jonas Nyvang, has harnessed this traditional craft to revolutionize the steel industry.
Stilfold’s proprietary technique employs geometrically computer-aided curve bending to create robust and durable structures. Our unique technique, inspired by origami, uses geometrically computer-aided curve bending to create strong and durable structures, elucidates Nyvang, CEO of Stilfold AB. This method amalgamates circular design, computational tools, and material science with automated production solutions, drastically minimizing fossil fuel footprints, material consumption, energy use, and waste, thereby streamlining recycling processes.
Steel, with its intrinsic malleability and strength, emerges as the ideal candidate for the Stilfold process. This innovative approach substitutes traditional stamping with folding parts integration, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of steel production. Stilware software transforms developable designs into computer-aided manufacturing instructions, enabling the formation of 3D structures from 2D stainless steel sheets. This technique optimizes strength, material use, and sustainability, integrating parts to reduce weight and waste, offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.
Our technique minimises waste by optimising the geometry of each component for parts integration, leading to more efficient material utilisation and less scrap, Nyvang emphasizes. This energy-efficient process also obviates the need for press tools, further diminishing the carbon footprint. The simplicity and precision of Stilfold’s circular design approach facilitate recycling, ensuring steel's efficient reuse and reducing environmental impact.
Already, Stilfold's ‘industrial origami’ is finding practical applications across the steel industry. Volvo’s electric vehicle arm, Polestar, collaborates with Stilfold to explore the steel-folding technique in producing climate-neutral cars. Polestar’s 0 project is an initiative aimed at the complete elimination of greenhouse gases, says Nyvang. Stilfold’s sustainable and low-emission manufacturing techniques play a pivotal role in this ambitious project.
Stilfold's innovative process has attracted the attention of leading firms such as ArcelorMittal, SSAB, Outokumpu, Volvo, Saab, Honda, Nissan, VW, Magna, and Alstom. These collaborations underscore the transformative potential of Stilfold’s technique in promoting sustainable steel manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Stilfold remains committed to advancing its technology and developing new materials. We aim to strengthen partnerships with steel manufacturers to co-develop new applications for our technology, Nyvang states. By leveraging automation and digital manufacturing, Stilfold aspires to enhance precision and efficiency, expanding its global footprint with facilities and partnerships in the EU and the USA. The overarching goal is to propel a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices in the steel industry.
In essence, Stilfold’s innovative approach is poised to reshape the steel manufacturing landscape, proving that the ancient art of origami can indeed inspire modern industrial ingenuity.
