The overall aim of the “Rib-On” project is to develop and manufacture an innovative stamping die based on a modular/reconfigurable and low cost approach to successfully produce different outer external wing rib models using new high performance aluminium alloys and tailored die steel and coating solutions. The die will serve to manufacture different shape/length aluminium ribs. The following challenges must be overcome for the success of the project: -Hot forming of aluminium is not a widespread technology -Die users allow little play to improvement by material selection. -Modular/reconfigurable dies are infrequent. -Integrating heat treatment and stamping in a single operation allows reducing costs but is difficult to achieve. These five points lead to the most remarkable fields of expertise that gather at Rib-ON project. The consortium has wide experience in relation to the expected impacts. BATZ is a stamping die manufacturer for automotive and engine part manufacturer for aerospace industries and IK4-AZTERLAN / F.AZTERLAN has an extensive experience of more than 30 years in metallurgy. As for the operative approach, Rib-ON proposes to face the development of the new aluminium wing rib hot stamping die in the following sequence: 1.Functional requirements of the die will be set at first (WP1). 2.Once the die requirements are set, its concept design will be developed (WP2): 2.1.Processing window of the aluminium sheet must be defined. 2.2.Selection of the most advantageous die steel and coating will be performed. 2.3.Shapes of the blank and the forming surface of the die will be designed for each wing rib by simulation. Die cooling channel design will be simultaneous. 2.4.Modular die concept will be developed and prepared for subsequent detailed design. 3.Detailed design of the die and the corresponding manufacturing plan will be carried out (WP3&4) 4.The die will be set at BATZ's facilities for validation (WP5)

The REINTEGRA Project focuses on development of dismantling and recycling procedures for integral welded panels, that are under development for new lightweight and cost-effective aircraft structures within the Eco-Design for Airframe (EDA) activity in the Clean Sky programme. This project will investigate different cutting strategies, ranging from cutting only for size reduction to full separation of all materials, and determine their influence on recyclability of 3rd generation of Al-Li alloys. Furthermore, the need to eliminate primer and topcoats and different decoating methods will be investigated. The separated metallic fractions will be processed in a pilot melting facility and the produced metallic alloys characterised in order to establish a ranking in terms of costs, environmental impact and effectivity, that allows to select the best option for recycling Laser Beam Welded (LBW) and Friction Stir Welded (FSW) panels. Also, a recycling compatibility tool (software) will be developed to determine compatibility of different Al-Li alloys, filler material and coatings. First, the theoretical composition of mixed materials per weld length will be calculated and then, this composition will be corrected with experimental data from remelting tests regarding element fading/enrichment. The results will be compared with commercial alloys and the recycling compatibility with primary alloys estimated. The aim is to valorize as much as possible of the valuable alloying elements. The proposed new procedures for dismantling and recycling will be tested both, at coupon level and at live panel dismantling experiment, in which materials will be identified, sorted and pre-treated. The separated metallic fractions will be processed in a pilot melting facility and the produced metallic alloys characterised. Materials and energy flows, emissions and waste generation will be inventoried during the new End of Live process tested and provided to TM for the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

The objective of HiperTURB is to improve the weldability and castability of high temperature capable superalloy castings. The expected impact will be linked to weight, manufacturing and maintenance cost reduction of TRF components. This objective will be achieved due to a combination of innovative chemistry adjustments, tailored casting solidification strategies, specific heat treatment and innovative welding techniques to control grain size, phases formation, segregation and residual stresses. Two new superalloy castings with enhanced weldability will be developed. At casting level mould design to control cooling gradient together with the use of inoculants, chillers and shell design will allow to tailor casting solidification. Heat treatment stage will be adjusted in terms of pre and post welding operation sequence (HIP + solution annealing), processing parameters and the introduction of cryogenic heat treatment. Weldability assessment of two new alloy castings will be assessed by standard hot cracking tests and simulated repair and structural welds on simple parts and real geometry-like components. Both TIG and laser based welding processes will be investigated. Development process will be supported by advanced simulation techniques based on Thermocalc, Dictra, Procast that will enable a more precise approach on final alloy microstructural and castability results. The castability of the alloys will be validated by the design of specific test samples that will be checked to detect casting defects such as shrinkage, hot tearing sensitivity.... Evaluation of internal and external defects will be carried out by non-destructive tests. Mechanical properties of alloys under development such as creep and tensile test at low and high temperature will be performed. Component like geometry cast parts will be manufactured at the end of the project, testing their final properties in terms of castability and weldability.

The main objective of NEMARCO is to select the adequate chemical composition(s) and manufacturing process parameters for obtaining sealing rings of nickel self-fluxing alloys that can offer the required performance against high-temperature (HT) wear and overcome the health potential issue regarding wear particles Cobalt alloys (current solution) in cabin air. Two manufacturing routes: Horizontal Centrifugal Casting (CC) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), will be studied. The achievement of this objective is based on a well-structured approach that combines (i) a preliminary selection of NiCrSiFeB commercial compositions that can favour manufacturing processability while improving wear behaviour at HT supported by simulation of phase’s formation, segregation, precipitation and diffusion phenomena to predict microstructure formation, as well as process simulation to evaluate specific conditions for solidification. (ii) Robust manufacturing study of both processing routes supported by advanced data analytics of all process and product related variables, allowing to identify those parameters with the highest influence and thus, support in the definition of the optimal manufacturing conditions. (iii) Extensive tribological studies at high temperature. This will support for the selection of the best composition and manufacturing solution of NiCrSiFeB alloys as replacement of the actual Cobalt alloys to produce aeronautic parts. (iv) A rigorous LCA/LCC and a preliminary toxicity analysis, leading to a deeper knowledge of environmental performance and economic impact of the solution. The project will contribute on a reduction of fuel consumption, healthier cabin air and a reduction of costs for a more competitive EU aircraft industry. The implementation is carried out by a multidisciplinary consortium formed by experts in LMD (LORTEK), CC (AZTERLAN), HT behaviour of materials and wear particles characterization (ECL-LTDS and CIDETEC) and LCA/LCC and toxicity analysis (CTME).

The main objective of the project is to develop a Smart solution for connecting process and material characteristics to achieve a new generation of digital materials in the automotive industry demonstrated by developing a new brake system with an anchor at least 12.5 % lighter and a housing with 10% improved machinability. The new developed solution will reach in next five years to the 35% of the European iron foundry market, 10% of the Worldwide level iron foundry market. A new smart data management module “DigiMAT module” will be developed by one SME specialized in ICT solutions. Its development will be supported by a sensor network and an advanced data management system already running in the iron foundry company. This smart module will consist on a specific algorithm for each digital material development combined with an automatic protocol definitions system that will conform a specific methodology. It will acquire, store, process and analyze data coming from a previously defined set of trials. . Its validation will be completed with the homologation of new digital materials by the TIER 1 company and by their introduction in the foundry company portfolio. In parallel the TIER 1 company will develop a lighter anchor based on the developed high yield material. This lighter anchor integrated into a new brake system will be functionally homologated by the TIER 1 and final user (OEM). Finally, partners will commonly develop a business plan for quick take up of the project results. Digital materials can have a wide impact in industry and society. First stage will report significant business opportunities to ICT companies and increase turnover of Tier 1 in the brake area of the automotive sector(+30%). The potential application to all type of material can render in significant global weight reduction in transport media and more sustainable development of industrial processes.