WP1 focused on determining the different CMSs (imPURE demonstrators), including the products' design, the materials used, and crucial operational requirements. A respirator mask, a finger pulse oximeter, a vaccine spike, and a ventilator splitter, were selected to be fabricated. In addition, polymers with antimicrobial properties were prepared, including silver nanoparticles, which were used as raw materials for the production of the CMSs. Toxicological assays were carried out, in a general framework of safety use that was followed. Concerning the metal AM activities, a market overview and a classification of the available metal powders were performed, based on the established in-house metal AM powder characterization workflow, together with specific procedures for refurbishing used AM powders. Finally, a regulatory framework and specific timeplans for the exploitation of the products were defined.
WP2 developed the IM production lines' upgrading/repurposing strategy. Considering the demonstration production line, set of sensors and transducers were installed on the machine for process monitoring and software and hardware for data acquisition and communication. A robot handling system has been designed, programmed, and applied to the PASCOE IM machine, aiming to enhance production automation. An infrared camera was also installed in the line for the quality monitoring of the produced parts. Accordingly, the the industrial line of ELVEZ was upgraded with the installation of pressure and temperature sensors. The rest IM lines (STIL and PROD) were repurposed with inserts manufactured through AM.
WP3 included the designs of the new mould sets. Specifically, for the oximeter case, a repurposed mould was used with integration of AM inserts and ceramic sliders. Regarding the vaccine spike case and the ventilator splitter, old master moulds were refurbished and new AM inserts were introduced; conformal cooling system was applied in the case of the ventilator splitter. Finally, new base moulds were designed for the production of the masks.
WP4 focused on the manufacturing of the interchangeable inserts through AM technologies and hybrid approaches. A methodology for each of the AM processes was developed (SLM, DED, Hybrid approach with WAAM). Concerning the oximeter case, ceramic mould components were produced by SLA 3D printing, assessing the required processability and dimensional accuracy.
In the framework of WP5, IUNGO developed a supply chain interactive platform, for raw materials and CMSs. imPURE Project Communication tools were developed (website, Social Media, Webinars) and a detailed Exploitation Plan was released. In addition, networking/dissemination activities included more than 150 actions: meetings and video calls with companies, universities, districts, and experts, participation in conferences, workshops, exhibitions, etc. A scientific paper was also published from IRES in collaboration with NTUA.
The first main result of WP6 was the Data Management Plan, that defined the information workflow. User experience research was carried out through interviews with different representatives from the pilot lines, resulting in defining the proto-personas, user journey, and user needs statements to design the command centre for the pilot lines. A cloud manufacturing platform was developed for the selected pilot examined, and a proof of concept was performed to interact with the Machine Learning models. Simulation-based digital twins were also prepared.
Within WP7, all managerial procedures were defined, that ensured the smooth execution of the project. A Risk Management and a Quality Assurance Plan were prepared, while all administrative procedures were followed.
Finally, WP8 was focused on the ethical requirements that have been set by the EC. Four deliverables were prepared, dealing with Humans, Environment and Safety, Data Protection and involvement of Non-EU Countries.
