Europe is the world’s largest manufacturer of machine tools but this position is threatened due to the emergence of Asian countries. However, Europe has world-class capabilities in the manufacture of high-value parts for such competitive sectors like aerospace & automotive and this has led to the creation of a high-technology, high-skill industry. European machine tool builders, part manufacturers and other agents have to work together to increase the competitiveness of European manufacturing industry. Simulation tools are currently a key complement to European machine tool industry expertise but new integrated approaches are needed. The main objective of Twin-Control is the development of a simulation and control system that integrates the different aspects that affect machine tool and machining performance. This holistic approach will allow a better estimation of machining performance than single featured simulation packages, including lifecycle concepts like energy consumption and end-life of components. This integrated concept will also enhance the necessary collaboration between machine tool builders and part manufacturers. The specific industrial objectives are: • Getting machines that work as designed faster (10% reduction) • Getting production processes that work as planned faster (20% reduction) • To get a first-time-right part manufacturing (75%) • To increase production time trough model-based control (increase of 1-2%) • To reduce energy consumption (25-50%) • Improve machine reliability and increase machine up-time due to a proactive maintenance (2-4.5%) All these will contribute to reduce machine tool life cycle costs (15 %) with a reduction of O&M costs in the range of 25%. The project considers the validation and demonstrator in real production scenarios in aerospace and automotive industries. Added to this, 3 demonstrators will be set-up in three pilot lines for spreading results beyond the project end

The demand of large and complex part manufacturing is growing rapidly in the capital goods sectors, such as energy generation, yellow goods or railway, due to increasingly required energy generation efficiency, larger infrastructures and cost effective means of transport, respectively. The manufacturing process of bulky parts usually involves high labour intensity workpiece handling and set up, as well as a final assembly stage. Many of these tasks are completed manually and this occasionally leads to low precision, low efficiency, poor stability, and high physical burden. Difficulties in the manufacturing of bulky parts result in a shortage of companies capable of producing components within the required standards, even when they have the production equipment to do so. The homologation process of subcontractors is very sensitive and it is usually based on a trust relationship between customer and supplier. Manufacturers' accessibility to auxiliary equipment for workpiece setup, handling and modelling is cumbersome and based on word of mouth, leading to rigid supply chains and a lack of flexibility to find alternative partners. This rigidity in the supply chain of bulky components contribute to the need to identify, monitor, and reconfigure traditional supply chains into more flexible and responsive value networks, in order to effectively address supply chain distresses. The main objective of REED project will be the development of a Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) platform that will provide the enabling technologies, equipment and services for the manufacturing of bulky parts of the capital goods sector, assuring the quality of the produced components while maximising productivity and minimising environmental impact. The REED platform will redefine the B2B relationships through a networked digital productive model.

Recent events such as the COVID pandemic and the Ukraine war have increased global uncertainty and prompted European companies to rethink their global supply chain and production methods. Given the unpredictable nature of potential shocks, it is crucial for European industry to maintain a high degree of flexibility and adaptability in order to swiftly respond to sudden changes, whenever they may occur. The LaserWay project aims to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by replacing conventional, inefficient, and environmentally harmful methods with highly flexible production lines based on high-speed laser technology. Laser blanking, laser micro-drilling, and extreme high-speed laser material deposition (EHLA) are the three laser manufacturing technologies selected for their potential to create more sustainable manufacturing processes and products. The project focuses on developing WayFASTER machines to improve the performance of the laser technologies through lightweight designs, vibration control techniques, and program optimizations tailored for high-speed laser applications. WayFASTER Photonics aims to ensure precise delivery of the laser beam at extreme speeds, targeting three laser technologies with unique demands. The WaySTRONGER integration concept aims to enhance the sustainability, resilience, and flexibility of current manufacturing processes by integrating new technologies mechanically and digitally. The project's success will provide a competitive edge for industries, such as automotive and aerospace, by reducing processing times, improving material usage, and enhancing end-product quality. The advancements made through the LaserWay project will drive innovation in high-speed laser processing, solidifying Europe's position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies.