Unlocking serial Aluminium Additive Manufacturing with Molten Metal Deposition technology

Project Information

MMD

Grant agreement ID: 101145544

DOI

10.3030/101145544

EC signature date 7 February 2024

Start date 1 March 2024

End date 30 June 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 571 411,25

EU contribution

€ 2 499 987,88

Coordinated by

VALCUN BV
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MMD (Unlocking serial Aluminium Additive Manufacturing with Molten Metal Deposition technology)

Reporting period: 2024-03-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

ValCUN is aiming to innovate the additive manufacturing landscape with a deployable, industrial & integratable solution by further advancing Molten Metal Deposition (MMD) technology across industry, particularly for aluminum parts.
This project, supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC), focuses on enhancing the industrial useability, quality and ecological footprint of MMD technology. ValCUN’s objectives are to refine MMD technology, scale production capabilities, and facilitate industry adoption through strategic partnerships and comprehensive dissemination and exploitation strategies.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Work Performed and Main Results: ValCUN developed and refined multiple facets of the MMD technology, including:
• Hardware Enhancements: Introduction of design modifications to improve print quality and machine reliability.
• Software Development: Advanced toolpath algorithms and AI-driven process parameter prediction software were developed to enhance operational efficiency and predictability.
• Materials Research: enhancing understanding and applicability in industrial settings using the materials the industry desires
• Dissemination Activities: Included targeted industry publications, participation in major additive manufacturing events, and collaborations with academic institutions to foster research and development.
• Strategic Partnerships: Forged key partnerships with industry to pilot the MMD technology in real-world settings, enhancing market entry strategy.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Project Impact: The project formulates and catalyzes its commercial growth and expedites the maturation of its technology and product offerings, making them increasingly appealing to the industry. By reducing the barriers to industrial adoption, ValCUN is poised to make a substantial impact on the manufacturing sector. The following are key areas of impact:
• Enhancing Sustainability: Promoting the use of recycled materials, limiting the material waste, part optimization and energy-efficient production processes by providing a more cost-effective solution.
• Industry Adoption & integration for fostering innovation: deployable solutions that along with other manufacturing technology can realise unseen innovations using AM optimized parts for weight, strength, production cost & overall performance reliability.