Touchstone continues to make Impression

Impression Technologies, a UK-based aluminium forming technology spinout of Imperial College London, has raised £3m ($3.8m) in a series B round co-led by commercialisation firm Touchstone Innovations, itself spun out of Imperial.

The round was co-led by commercialisation firm Mercia Technologies, with both backers putting in £1.5m.

Founded in 2012, Impression Technologies uses technology dubbed hot formed quench, which enables manufacturers to form deep drawn complex shapees from both high and ultra-high strength aluminium.

The technology enables a cost-effective manufacturing of structures for use within car bodies, aircraft assemblies and rolling stock. The approach means aluminium can be used to replace steel even in applications where complex geometrics could not otherwise be created from high-strength aluminium.

Touchstone previously led a £4m series A round in 2015, after Mercia had injected £400,000 in 2014 and Touchstone had provided £500,000 in 2013.

Robert Bahns, director of technology ventures at Touchstone Innovations, said: “We are delighted to see the progress the company has made since we led the £4.0m funding round in July 2015. 

“The company opened a state-of the art Production and Technology Development Centre in Coventry last year to showcase its innovative technology.

“This has resulted in a huge level of interest from original equipment manufacturers and parts suppliers and this funding will enable the company to secure further partnerships and supply relationships leading to applications on high volume production vehicles.”