PRR Project

Summary

The metallurgical and metalworking sector plays a fundamental role in the Portuguese economy[1], significantly contributing to the industrial production, employment, and export revenues, and having high representativeness in the respective European ecosystem. Within this sector, most relevant industries rely on metallic products fabrication, providing substantial manufacturing services to both national and international value-chains. Thus, its continued competitiveness is not only vital for sustaining economic growth but also for promoting EU leadership in the global technology context. Novel hybrid manufacturing techniques (additive and subtractive) are emerging with potential to revolutionize the metalworking sector in distinct industrial application sectors, such as the automotive, aerospace, tooling and healthcare, fostering high-value creation, promoting resilience and market advantage along the respective value-chains.Despite the constant modernization of the Portuguese manufacturing industry, which accounts for 17% of all employment[2] and with a strong focus on the NORTE region, advanced subtractive and hybrid manufacturing has a low expression as its adoption is still challenging for the metalworking sector, mainly due to: (i) the complexity of processes integration and tendency for SMEs to prioritize traditional manufacturing routes and (ii) the significant capital investment of specialized equipment (often lacking immediate product integration strategy) and training of personnel. Moreover, these companies rely on the support provided by Universities and RTOs, to guide them through its adoption, implementation and best use.This strategic scientific profile should be capable of promoting scientific synergic work between the FEUP, INEGI and LAETA and the metallurgical and metalworking ecosystem, pushing value-creation for national and European industrial value-chains, through the following tasks: T1. To strengthen R&D on hybrid manufacturing routes within metalworking Portuguese industry, focusing on the aerospace, automotive, and medical devices sectors. Assessing their feasibility and suitability, proposing practical strategies for adoption to enhance parts customization while optimizing function/process, reducing lead times and material waste. T2. Research on the application of digital twins , AI and machine learning through sensorized/instrumented lab-scale representation of subtractive/hybrid processes. Scientific-based demonstration to industrial manufacturers to optimize cutting parameters, reduce cycle times, and enhance product quality, promoting competitiveness regain/maintain in the global market. T3. Adoption of advanced tooling materials in manufacturing facilities can enhance machining performance, increase tool life, and improve surface finish. This is particularly beneficial for industries such as automotive and moldmaking (with significant expression in Portugal), where precision machining is essential for producing high-quality components. T4. To implement scientific research in green-tech practices , such as minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and eco-friendly cutting tools/processes (i.e., energy-wise enhancement), thus minimizing environmental impact, while aligning with EU sustainability goals and enhancing the country´s reputation as a responsible industrial player. T5. To support DEMec teaching staff involved in the proposal preparation and management of R&I projects , along with the University’s central support units, in the topics of subtractive and hybrid manufacturing and their results exploitation . Also, to promote/spread the adoption of such novel technologies and enabled solutions by the industry. T6: To develop and lead collaboration between FEUP and other institutions focusing on science, R&D and market-oriented projects and merit recognition through scientific publication . Alignment with the evolving needs of the metalworking sector can be ensured through active networking with industry and research peers , for which targeted engagement actions can be implemented. T7. To design/create subtractive and hybrid manufacturing technology demonstrators within FEUP labs in order to showcase the practical integration of novel manufacturing techniques . Coordinate with relevant faculty departments and engage with industry partners to ensure the demonstrators effectively promote the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies within the Portuguese industrial sector. T8. To fill the gap in FEUP teaching staff (namely regarding subtractive and hybrid manufacturing) while reinforcing the scope of manufacturing courses . Guidance of students (MSc, PhD and other) and promotion of seminars and workshops aligned with market trends and industry demands.[1] https://www.ey.com/pt_pt/strategy/setor-metalurgico-e-metalomecanico-como-acelerar-o-crescimento-sustentado[2] https://eures.ec.europa.eu/living-and-working/labour-market-information/labour-market-information-portugal_en???????