FLASH-COMP to star at the Ecomondo Expo in Rimini, Italy, in November, where it will showcase its advances in the digitisation of composite manufacturing processes.
We are delighted to announce that FLASH-COMP project will be attending the prestigious Ecomondo Expo in Rimini on the 8th of November, 2024. Ecomondo is one of Europe’s leading events for sustainable technological innovation, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and policy makers to explore the latest advancements in the circular economy, environmental sustainability, and digital manufacturing.
FLASH-COMP is also at the heart of these endeavours by developing a fast and reliable quality control solution powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and remove defects during composite manufacturing processes. The project aims to revolutionise liquid resin infusion (LRI) composite manufacturing with its zero-defect manufacturing (ZDM) approach, which has the potential to reduce waste by over 30%. By minimising production errors, FLASH-COMP supports Europe’s transition toward climate neutrality by cutting waste and optimising efficiency.
FLASH-COMP at Ecomondo
At Ecomondo, project partner Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) will represent FLASH-COMP, showcasing the project’s objectives and current progress. The event promises to be an exciting journey into the future of sustainable manufacturing, where cutting-edge digitalisation meets circularity. In the session titled “Ambire a zero difetti, zero sprechi, zero rifiuti di produzione” (Aspiring to zero defects, zero waste, zero production waste), Roberto Sasso from Azimut Benetti, another FLASH-COMP partner, will present the Azimut use case. This use case focuses on how Azimut Yachts is testing FLASH-COMP’s innovative technologies in their production lines.
Pioneering innovation in yacht manufacturing
Azimut Yachts, an Italian luxury yacht manufacturer based in Viareggio, is integrating FLASH-COMP’s AI-driven solution into the LRI process used to produce yacht hulls. These composite structures, ranging from 14 to 50 meters in length, require precise monitoring to ensure durability and quality. The project has installed a complete solution for the preforming and layup stages using multi-spectral 2D cameras and 3D laser profilers. For the infusion process and resin cure, the integration of FLASH-LiDAR and Pyzoflex® sensors enables accurate quality control and defect detection.
This technology is being tested across three phases at the Azimut plant:
- Small-scale testing, using 500mm x 1000mm plates to analyse fabric permeability.
- Medium-scale testing, using objects between 4-10 sqm to address the complexities of more intricate shapes.
- Full-scale testing, where a complete hull or superstructure measuring between 14-20 meters will be evaluated to assess the full potential of FLASH-COMP for large composite parts.
These innovations are projected to yield significant environmental and economic benefits for Azimut Yachts, including:
- 150 tonnes of waste reduction per year, equivalent to a savings of €1.1 million annually.
- 10% reduction in production time for small and medium-sized yachts.
- The ability to increase yearly production by 6%.
Event highlights
FLASH-COMP is a perfect fit for The Ecomondo Expo, which will offer a comprehensive look at the future of manufacturing, where digitalisation and sustainability converge. The event will explore:
- Innovative approaches to rethink product lifecycles, emphasising circularity and decarbonisation.
- Resource optimisation and defect reduction strategies, featuring real-world cases from the nautical and food industries.
- The role of data sharing and digital product passports in promoting transparency and circular manufacturing systems.
- The human aspect of digitalisation in our manufacturing industries by focusing on the skills required to lead this transformation and how industry professionals can acquire them.
The session will be led by esteemed professors from Politecnico di Milano, including Marta Pinzone, Paolo Rosa, Federica Acerbi, and Roberto Rocca, ensuring insightful discussions about technology, sustainability, and business innovation.
The event promises to be a unique opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts to learn about cutting-edge advancements in composite manufacturing, zero-defect processes, and Europe’s roadmap to sustainability from FLASH-COMP and other projects and industries.
- For more information on the event, visit the Ecomondo Expo website and be sure to attend Session 2 of the programme on 8th of November, where POLIMI and AZIMUT will be presenting.
From validation to demonstration: FLASH-COMP clears the path towards zero defect manufacturing for large-scale composites
Three years after launch, FLASH-COMP has reached a defining moment. The completion and validation of its Physical Test Bed for large composite liquid resin infusion processes confirms pre-industrial integration readiness and opens the door to full industrial demonstration – accelerating the project’s mission to enable the sustainable, zero-defect manufacturing of composite parts.
FLASHCOMP wins Best Manufacturing Project at the Axians Portugal Digital Awards
The FLASHCOMP project has been named Best Manufacturing Project at the 10th Axians Portugal Digital Awards, a major recognition of excellence in industrial digitalisation and innovation in Portugal – and a real feather in the cap for this EU-funded zero-defects manufacturing initiative
FLASH-COMP and the 4ZDM Cluster event: Driving innovation in Zero-Defect Manufacturing
The 4ZDM Cluster Workshop, held in Brussels in March, marked a significant milestone for the future of Zero-Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) in Europe.