PULSATE targets potential manufacturing sectors with a solid track record of using Laser Based Advanced and Additive Manufacturing (LBAAM) technologies, as well as those that are currently underrepresented – ⁠aerospace (aeronautics), automotives, medical devices, industrial machinery, customised electronics and textiles and clothing.

The main results achieved by these experiments will include the development of innovative laser-based equipment, processes, ancillary equipment and software, solutions adapted to the flexible production environments typical in SMEs, and digital tools which can improve productivity, flexibility, and traceability, thus lowering entry barriers.

What are the benefits?

Selected Technology Transfer Experiments (TTE) will become part of the 13-month PULSATE Support Programme, which includes:

• technical support from industry experts;
• business development support;
• up to €150,000 in funding per experiment;
• media exposure;
• access to private and public funding.

The main benefit for each participant in the experiment will be:

• For the technology supplier: A new product ready for the manufacturing sector.
• For the end-user: Validation of a prototype system applied to its specific operational environment.

Who can apply?

TTEs must be proposed by a consortium including a minimum of 2 SMEs and/or slightly bigger companies, which act as the:

• Technology provider (system integrators): Any entity which designs, builds or rebuilds, programs, installs, modifies, distributes, or supplies systems and/or technology for LBAAM.
• Manufacturing company (end-user/technology adopter): Any entity that deals with the physical or chemical transformation of materials into new products.

Experiments should address the development and implementation of technology and systems at technology readiness levels (TRLs) between 5 and 7, applicable to laser-based equipment for the Advanced and Additive Manufacturing market, within the following areas of experimentation:

• laser equipment integration, interoperability, and robust automation;
• technology for cost-effective laser-based manufacturing;
• first part right and zero-defect laser-based production;
• flexible technology for small to large batches;
• from CAD (computer-aided design) to PLM (product lifecycle management) – data integration and flow.

The deadline for this call is 22 April at 17:00 CEST.

Find out more and apply here.