Smart production platform

These products are currently expensive to produce, requiring long turn-around times and relying on complicated machinery lacking flexibility. Particularly in the case of small batches, the production cost is prohibitive for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).


The EU-funded project 'Smart production of microsystems based on laminated polymer films' (SMARTLAM) will combine new materials properties with state-of-the-art scalable 3D manufacturing technologies. The result will be the first ever realisation of combined micro-milling, micro-welding, micro-cutting, micro-structuring and surface functionalisation and micro-positioning in one machine. The 3D integrated design and manufacturing (3D-I) concept will provide a knowledge-based platform to support the designer from start to finish.


It integrates laminating technologies adopted from rapid prototyping with handling of discrete parts that cannot be substituted by printed or nano-structured films. It also incorporates advanced surface and patterning technologies implemented at the micro and nano scales. SMARTLAM combines function-related manufacturing steps with the required process chain capabilities. SMEs, potential customers in the fields of bioanalytics and lighting applications, will evaluate two demonstrators.


Within the first project period, the team specified the design framework, including database ontology and implementation of computer-aided design macros. Scientists adapted a high-level control system for computer-supported execution of manufacturing sequences. A method for materials selection and a tool for assessing costs have also been developed.


Researchers have conducted materials tests to identify appropriate materials combinations and elemental process sequences, both in general and specific to the demonstrators. The first versions of the demonstrators using lab equipment have now been realised, and project results have been presented at scientific conferences, fairs and regional cluster events. There is particular interest from the end-user community in solutions targeting small- and medium-sized lots.


Implementation of the 3D-I SMARTLAM platform and technologies is expected to yield important benefits. Among these are faster product development and scale-up for both small series and mass-produced parts, 100 % inspection and tolerance for medium-sized lots, and important energy savings. Taken together, the platform could facilitate innovation, open new markets and contribute to development of new business models.