Business Case
Carbon fiber wheel feasibility study
An interesting technology also needs to make sense as a business. With two other members, I examined a carbon fiber wheel proposal, connecting manufacturing, market, resources, costs and scenarios in an academic study.
Understanding the process
Proposed process
Mold and preparation
Fiber and material preparation
Vacuum infusion
Curing
Demolding
Machining
We sought guidance from professors and a practical activity with USP to understand vacuum infusion before connecting it to the business assumptions.
From technology to a business proposal
With two other Dinamo members, I studied a business proposal for carbon fiber wheels manufactured by vacuum infusion. All three of us contributed to the entire work, connecting the market, manufacturing process, resources, costs and schedules. We sought guidance from professors and took part in a practical activity in partnership with USP to understand the process. The work resulted in an academic model and presentation; the practical experience was for learning, without validating an industrial production line or selling wheels as a group.
USP · 2024
Structuring the assumptions
We related the process to the intended customers, resources and costs. The scenarios helped us discuss the proposal; the projections do not represent actual revenue or profit.
Model worksheets and assumptions
We organized the analysis into five worksheets: A3, schedules, finance, organization chart and charts. The study describes mold preparation, vacuum resin infusion, curing and machining. We related this process to the intended customers and the planning of materials, machinery, energy, labor and testing.
Analysis structure
Market
Intended customers
Process
Vacuum infusion
Resources
Materials, machinery and labor
Costs
Fixed and variable
Scenarios
Sales volume and financial projections
Process records
More photographs
Materials in the proposal
- Carbon fiber70%
- Aluminum20%
- Epoxy resin10%
Presenting the study
In 2024, I developed the study with two other Dinamo members; all three of us contributed to the entire work. We delivered an academic model and presentation.
The projections organize the proposal's assumptions; they do not establish validated economic feasibility.