Smart Joining Technologies

Develop and implement new systems for advanced control of the rotary friction welding process. To achieve this, a new process control system will be developed as well as critical sub-systems capable of providing the performance characteristics demanded by highly demanding applications from the control point of view in the manufacture of components by rotary friction welding.

The project addresses the need to implement high-speed FSW (Friction Stir Welding) in the automotive sector, especially in the context of electric mobility (e-mobility). The growing demand for electric vehicles requires more efficient and faster manufacturing processes without compromising quality. FSW welding presents an advanced solution for joining lightweight materials like aluminum, which is crucial for reducing weight and improving the energy efficiency of vehicles.

The project develops galvanized shoring props for formwork through arc welding on galvanized steel, without removing the existing coating. The objective is to ensure mechanical strength and corrosion protection, facilitating integration into efficient production lines. Lortek contributes its expertise in advanced welding, defining and validating process parameters and ensuring the quality of the joints for automated industrial application.

AMALTEA’s main objective is to streamline the use of robotics, AI and data in the construction sector to reduce the energy use, resources and waste, increase safety, and improve processes’ reliability and product quality to adapt to the new demands from end users and Green Deal objectives. For that, the curtain-wall façade value chain will be reshaped by digitalizing the design, manufacturing, installation and disassembly/recycling phases.

The project addresses the need to lighten structures through the welding of aluminum and steel components. The solution involves designing and manufacturing structures using bimetallic materials with explosion welding, arc welding, and Friction Stir Welding (FSW). LORTEK contributes by developing the FSW process, including tools and specific parameters, in collaboration with CAF R&D.

Sectors such as automotive, rail, shipbuilding and architecture are looking for customised structures, although the current limitations of additive manufacturing do not allow this. To meet this challenge, we propose developing advanced materials based on thermosetting composites, already used in aeronautical and automotive industries. The aim is to achieve layer-by-layer bonding with efficient curing to produce large parts using additive manufacturing processes.

LASTER impulsa la competitividad industrial del País Vasco mediante tecnologías láser y digitalización. Desarrolla procesos avanzados como EHLA, corte y soldadura láser, y recuperación de componentes, integrando sistemas de control y monitorización para mejorar la estabilidad y eficiencia. Con cinco áreas de trabajo, desde la definición de especificaciones hasta la evaluación de soluciones, LASTER fomenta la fabricación de alto valor añadido, alineándose con los objetivos de sostenibilidad y digitalización.

ecoTECH, part of Clean Sky2's Airframe ITD, focuses on eco-design to reduce the environmental impact of aircraft production globally. Innovations in materials, processes, and recycling aim for green manufacturing, maintenance, and end-of-life benefits. Four demonstrators (thermoplastic, thermoset, metallic, and biomaterial) will validate novel materials and technologies, aiming to lower CO2 and NOx emissions and reduce waste throughout the non-operational aspects of aircraft production and life-cycle management.

Ensuring good properties in the joints of duplex or super-duplex steels used in the manufacture of pipes for various infrastructures is of particular relevance in the chemical industry sector, and more specifically, in industrial plants dedicated to the production of fertilizers.

The project addresses environmental challenges in the production and lifecycle of aircraft, from manufacturing to maintenance and final disposal. It focuses on developing advanced materials and innovative technologies to reduce the environmental footprint. This includes creating new materials, processes, and recycling methods for more eco-friendly manufacturing. Laser welding and advanced sensors ensure efficiency and quality in large aeronautical structures, in collaboration with industry companies.