Jigsaw Structures Ltd & City, University of London are pleased to announce a successful conclusion to the Innovate UK – NATEP: helping SMEs innovate in aerospace Autumn 2022 Competition. The BETA Sealing System 18-month project concluded in September 2024 with the support of Airbus in the UK, Meggitt Seals and Barrnon as an interested parties and potential end-users. The industrial-academic partnership between Jigsaw Structures & City focused on the laminar-flow-friendly sealing of aerodynamic surface panels (steps & gaps) for civil aircraft. The project met all of its objectives: to deliver an innovative wing assembly sealing system employing a high build-rate
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Our prototype lightweight Standing Grand, employing an innovative structural frame and using composite materials, has arrived back in the UK. This follows the incorporation of the sounding elements (soundboard, action, stringing etc) by master piano builder, David Klavins & his team in Kuldiga, Latvia. The final activity will be the installing of the legs to the piano in readiness for the launch events scheduled for this October. Keep visiting for more information and updates! www.futurepiano.co.uk  
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Jigsaw Structures Ltd & City, University of London are pleased to announce a successful funding bid for the Innovate UK – NATEP: helping SMEs innovate in aerospace Autumn 2022 Competition. The BETA Sealing System 18-month project started in April 2023 with the support of Airbus in the UK, Meggitt Seals and Barrnon as an interested parties and potential end-users. The industrial-academic partnership between Jigsaw Structures & City builds on the previous relationship established during the Innovate UK funded – Airbus led ALFET & ALFA Seal projects which focused on civil aircraft wing laminar flow enabling technologies. The current project aims
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The final ALFA Seal Project Review (QRM6) was held at The Bristol & Bath Science Park, Bristol on the 17th November 2022. In attendance were representatives from Airbus, Meggitt Seals, NATEP and of course the project consortium partners Jigsaw Structures & City, University of London. In terms of hardware, seal demonstrators were exhibited representing the concluding manufacturing options for seal insert & receptacle. Regarding aero performance, City tabled the wind tunnel testing results confirming the seal to be flow friendly at transonic speeds. Earlier in the month Jigsaw Structures were invited to present the ALFA Seal Project objectives and findings
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The ALFA Seal Project Consortium was pleased to announce at the August Quarterly Review Meeting (QRM5) that wind tunnel testing of the snap-fit sealing system to date had successfully demonstrated both Laminar Flow Characterisation profiles & Sealing Performance metrics in line with Customer requirements. The test campaign will continue through the final quarter to capatilise on the results achieved to date. www.alfaseal.org
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The ALFA Seal Project exhibited at the NATEP booth (FAC stand) at the Farnborough International Airshow in July – the first physical event of its kind since its cancellation due to the pandemic in 2020. Project Consortium members were pleased to be able to promote the project with show delegates. www.alfaseal.org
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Jigsaw’s ambitions for its Genderless Mechanical Connector (GMC) technology to be exploited in the space sector have been furthered by engagement with the Satellite Applications Catapult. The Catapult’s Business Evolution programme identified GMC use cases across Space Commerce (orbital robotics) & Space Resources (planetary robotics). Jigsaw’s GMC patent application status is now on an international basis.
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On behalf of the Consortium & NATEP, Tim Evans from Jigsaw Structures, delivered an ALFA Seal keynote presentation at the Design Engineering Expo – part of the Manufacturing & Engineering Week at the NEC, Birmingham on the 8th June. Tim was able to share with the audience how the objectives of the ALFA Seal project align with the recently published ATI Destination Zero Strategy: 2050. www.alfaseal.org
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Our 1st Standing Grand structural components manufacturing is now complete. The frame has now been shipped to our Master Piano Builder (David Klavins – Latvia) to have the sounding parts fitted.  
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Focusing on ‘Sustainable Aviation and Future Technologies’, the conference addressed the impact on the industry and environment of hydrogen-powered and battery-powered electric aircraft which are in development in Advanced Air Mobility & Future Fuels. A great opportunity for Jigsaw to meet fellow FAC members and present the ALFA Seal Project.
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