Impression Technologies has developed a patented Hot Form Quench (HFQ®) process for the mass production of complex, deep-drawn, high-strength aluminium structures. The technology targets automotive, aerospace, rail and broader industrial applications and is already being adopted by vehicle manufacturers. The company supplies around 25,000 components per year to manufacturers, including Aston Martin and Lotus Cars, and is in discussions with a number of other global automotive brands. Impression plans to use new funds to build its commercial and operations team to support continued commercial adoption of HFQ® by a pipeline of global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. The business is led by CEO Jonathan Watkins and is based in Coventry, UK. Separately, it recently secured significant grant funding of £9.6m as part of a consortium that includes Gestamp Washington UK Limited. Impression Technologies is focused on its HFQ® technology, an advanced light-weighting approach aimed at automotive applications. The company is part of a consortium that includes Gestamp Washington UK and counts Mercia Technologies as a direct investor. Under the RACEForm project it will receive a significant proportion of a grant to further develop and validate HFQ for mass production. The RACEForm programme includes £4.8m in grant funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, and the broader transaction totals £9.6m. The work will be based in Coventry and is expected to commence in a matter of weeks. Company leadership says the technology development and consortium backing aim to establish HFQ as a global industry standard and deliver medium‑term shareholder value. Impression Technologies develops patented aluminium forming processes aimed at maximising strength and lightweight properties, with the HFQ® method used to form complex components from high-strength sheet aluminium. The company targets the automotive sector primarily, where weight reduction can lower CO2 emissions, and also pursues applications in aerospace and rail. It offers Licensing, Training and Support services for forming processes, forming simulation and material test methods. Impression is part of a UK government-sponsored automotive research programme with Lotus Cars and of an EU-sponsored aerospace and automotive project involving 15 partners including Lotus and the Fiat Research Centre. Led by CEO Dr George Adam, the company intends to expand technical and commercial capabilities. The article does not report revenue or user metrics. Impression Technologies commercializes Hot Form Quench (HFQ), an aluminium forming technology based on intellectual property developed at Imperial College London. The HFQ process, developed by Professor Lin of Imperial College London and Professor Dean of the University of Birmingham, enables production of lightweight, complex and structured aluminium components. The technology targets applications in the automotive, aerospace and rail industries. Led by CEO George Adam, the company was created to commercialize the HFQ technology and its associated know‑how. Impression intends to use new capital to develop its aluminium forming process, manufacture demonstration parts and build a technical and commercial team.

Total raised

$12M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Apr 2018