Engineering, manufacturing and construction

The time it takes manufacturing small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) to generate products or services ahead of anticipated increases in demand has a direct impact on the future competitiveness of the sector in Europe. An EU initiative is developing innovative technologies to increase the efficiency of manufacturing.

Compressed air is often called industry's fourth utility after electricity, natural gas and water. Novel monitoring technology will now make sure the air supply is not contaminated with oil, a common and problematic condition.

Methodological and technological developments are being made towards more energy-efficient modes of production. Such developments will hopefully lead to near-zero–emissions production systems that remain highly productive but also cost and energy efficient.

Production costs can be very high for large, rotating aeroengine structures requiring stringent structural integrity. Delivery of a component targeted for future aircraft will prove the feasibility of a new manufacturing technology.

An EU team is creating a method for manufacturing superior metal components using advanced alloys and 3D printing. Early tests of the concept and equipment show promise, and the project is developing new standards.

Maritime transport accounts for nearly 90 % of total world trade, and traffic at ports is expected to double over the next 2 decades. To meet this rocketing demand, an EU initiative introduced an innovative technology to enhance port efficiency and safety.

At Trinity College Dublin Professor Jonathan Coleman and his team are creating a ‘gateway technology’ in material science that, if successful, will open the door to a host of industrial applications. Their research focuses on producing two-dimensional monolayers of a variety of materials by exfoliation. Prof. Coleman's TEDx talk will introduce the audience to this technology and demonstrate how to make the 'wonder material' graphene in a kitchen blender.