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 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.

SusPIRE project assimilates in its conception the sustainable energy use challenge described in the European SETPLAN and in SPIRE road map. It addresses its efforts to energy intensive industries and within this segment market to energy recovery from residual heat streams. To achieve this goal a two clearly differentiated working areas will be key aspects of this project. Technology area will include the development of materials and equipments. New Heat Transfer Fluids (HTF) and Phase Change Materials (PCM) will be the base for manufacture high efficiency heat exchangers in terms of energy capture and storage. Two Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTE) areas(low temperature range (30-50ºC) and medium (50-80ºC) will support a energy cascading concept where energy will be sequentially used and finally stored for further use or commercialized to third parties. The methodology aspects of this projects wants to establish a framework to foster the energy commercialization of surplus energy . Living areas , symbiosis with other companies in industrial parks, sports centers.. will beneficiate from cheaper energy, environmental impact reduction and social acceptance of energy intensive industrial activities. The coordination of the manufacturing and the energy recovery processes will be carried out by means of a smart methodology. A protocol definition software will deploy actions to create best practices in terms of process adjustment and operating instructions. Management concepts based on energy recovery rate as Key Process Indicator (KPI), will be integrated into the decision making mechanism of the company assuring permanent advances in this field of activity in forthcoming years.