ALFA MIMTech is currently immersed in intense research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) activity, participating in strategic projects ranging from process automation to the circular economy. These projects represent the company’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies in component development, digitalization, automation, and additive manufacturing, consolidating its position as an innovative company recognized with the Innovative SME seal and as a member of the Basque Innovation Agency (INNOBASQUE).
Among the R&D projects in which ALFA MIMTECH is involved, the most notable are: AUTO-MIM, ARTEMIS, EKOMUGI, MODELAN, IRIDISCENTE, and REPTIS
AUTO-MIM: Automation of MIM Processes
AUTO-MIM is a project focused on the development of a “New automated process for loading and placing MIM parts on trays using artificial vision systems and industrial robotics.” This project is part of the Basque Government’s Fast-Track INNOBIDEAK program, an initiative that seeks to boost innovation and business competitiveness in the region.
The project addresses one of the main challenges in MIM manufacturing: the precise and efficient handling of parts during the production process. The automation of this critical process aims to increase precision, reduce cycle times, and minimize defects associated with manual handling.
Currently, many MIM processes maintain manual or semi-automatic stages in parts handling, especially in the phase after injection and before sintering. The integration of artificial vision systems and industrial robotics represents a significant step forward in the evolution towards fully automated processes, in line with Industry 4.0 principles. This project seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional methods by developing intelligent systems capable of identifying, classifying, and handling MIM parts in critical stages of the process with high precision and full autonomy.
ARTEMIS: Additive Technologies in MIM Processes
ARTEMIS focuses on the “Study of the implementation of molds and models manufactured by additive technologies in metal injection molding and investment casting processes.” This project is developed under the Basque Government’s HAZITEK program for industrial research and experimental development.
The main objective of ARTEMIS is to evaluate and develop the implementation of additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing) applied to the production of prototypes for molds in MIM and investment casting processes. This combination of traditional technologies with advanced manufacturing methods seeks to optimize the production process, reduce development times, and improve the final quality of the produced parts.
Additive manufacturing has revolutionized the design and production of tools and molds in various industrial sectors. However, its application in MIM processes presents specific challenges related to the high pressures and temperatures of the process, as well as the required dimensional accuracy. ARTEMIS aims to advance in this field, developing solutions that allow leveraging the advantages of additive manufacturing (such as design freedom and rapid prototyping) in the specific context of MIM and investment casting processes.
EKOMUGI: Circular Economy in the Transport industry
EKOMUGI develops “Innovative solutions based on the circular economy for reducing raw material consumption in the transport and mobility sector” through the HAZITEK program, and is driven by Indumetal Recycling, with the participation of Alfa MIMTech and other companies in a consortium.
The project specifically focuses on the recovery of key components from waste in the transport and mobility sector. The main objective is to recover critical raw materials such as lithium, manganese, cobalt, and neodymium, in addition to other high value-added materials like nickel, copper, and engineering plastics, to manufacture new products by developing new materials and manufacturing technologies.
The project has made progress, including:
- Definition of use cases and specifications for new products based on recovered materials.
- Mapping of end-of-life electric mobility devices
- Development of automated strategies for battery and magnet recovery
- Initiation of material recovery, conditioning, and classification processes
- Design and commissioning of pilot plants
- Production of new products based on recycled materials
EKOMUGI’s developments allow for the incorporation of recycled critical raw materials into high value-added applications in the transport and electric mobility sector, particularly benefiting automotive component manufacturers in the Basque industry.
MODELAN: Advanced Modeling for the Metal Sector
MODELAN addresses the development of “Technologies for advanced and connected comprehensive modeling for the metal sector,” also within the framework of the Basque Government’s HAZITEK program, in addition to support from the European Regional Development Fund.
The main objective of MODELAN is the creation of a comprehensive simulation ecosystem in the metal sector, based on a multidisciplinary and connected modeling platform. This platform is designed to be a benchmark in the digital and sustainable design of equipment, products, and components in the sector.
The MODELAN project seeks to overcome current challenges in design and manufacturing in the metal sector, offering innovative solutions that allow for greater efficiency and sustainability. Through the integration of various simulation technologies, the project facilitates diagnosis and decision-making in all phases of product development, from design to industrialization. In its specific application to MIM technology, the aim is to maximize uniformity and stability in sintering processes through the development of predictive control tools.
The project’s results will include the development of new products, services, and processes that respond to current scientific-technological challenges, generating a positive impact at both regional and European levels.
IRIDISCENTE: Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Design
IRIDISCENTE focuses on “Artificial intelligence for the sustainable design of alloys and efficient processes,” and is supported by the CDTI and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. The project aims to address crucial sustainability challenges in the steel industry, one of the key industries in the transition to the green economy. IRIDISCENTE intends to promote the sustainable design of steel alloys and efficient processes, leveraging advanced digital tools, particularly artificial intelligence.
IRIDISCENTE represents an initiative to reduce carbon emissions and decrease dependence on critical raw materials in the steel production industry. The project seeks to increase the recycling rate in the steel industry, simultaneously addressing three major problems: dependence on critical metals, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions.
This project is particularly relevant considering that steel is the second largest global source of CO₂ emissions by raw material, with an annual production of over 1.8 billion tons. The use of artificial intelligence for alloy and process design represents an innovative approach to improving sustainability in this critical sector.
REPTIS: A Value Proposition in Strategic Materials for European Industry
REPTIS focuses on the “Responsible Extraction and Processing of Titanium and other Primary Raw Materials for sourcing EU Industrial Value Chains and Strategic Sectors.” This project is developed within the Horizon Europe program.
Titanium and other critical raw materials are fundamental for multiple strategic sectors, including aeronautics, medicine, and energy. However, their extraction and processing pose significant challenges in terms of environmental impact, energy efficiency, and costs.
REPTIS 2024 addresses both the need to develop more sustainable and responsible methods for the extraction and processing of titanium and to develop products for European industries through the development of new techniques. This aligns with the EU’s objectives of ensuring resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical materials.
ALFA MIMTECH: Commitment to Innovation
The R&D projects in which we participate represent a broad spectrum of innovation in the metallurgical sector, ranging from process automation and additive manufacturing to the circular economy and artificial intelligence. These projects, supported by regional, national, and European funding programs, position us at the forefront of technological innovation in our sector.
Alfa MIMTech’s participation in these projects demonstrates our This aligns with the EU’s objectives of ensuring resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical materials, commitment to sustainability, digitalization, and the continuous improvement of our processes and products. The technologies and methodologies developed in these projects will not only benefit the company but will also contribute to advancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the metallurgical industry in general.
