FUTURAMA Project begins: a step towards the future of hybrid manufacturing

• October 1, 2024

On 9 September, the launch meeting was held for FUTURAMA, a strategic project within the HAZITEK programme that aims to revolutionise the manufacture of metal components.

With a duration of 33 months and a budget of 4.5 million euros, FUTURAMA’s mission is to develop new digital technologies to make hybrid manufacturing machines more intelligent and autonomous, combining additive manufacturing technologies (such as wire feeding using laser and electric arc technologies) with high-precision machining operations such as milling and turning.

FUTURAMA aims to increase the reliability and autonomy of hybrid machines that combine technologies such as laser and electric arc wire feeding with high-precision machining operations. Through the development of advanced sensors, self-learning models and simulation tools, we will more accurately control critical variables such as temperature and component geometry. This will enable more precise and sustainable manufacturing.

In this project, led by Juaristi Boring Milling Machines, EIPC participates together with leading companies such as ABC Compressors, Ibarmia, Lebario, Optimus3D and Segula Technologies. We also have the support of research and development centres such as Tecnalia, Lortek, the UPV/EHU, Tekniker, ABCTECH, the Invema technology unit of the AFM Cluster and our own research centre, EIPC Research Center.

FUTURAMA will have direct applications in industries such as aeronautics, petrochemicals and railways, with a focus on the creation of large, high added value components. This project not only seeks to consolidate the Basque Country as a benchmark in advanced manufacturing, but also to align its results with Europe’s sustainability and digitisation objectives and the priorities of the Basque Country-PCTI 2030 Science, Technology and Innovation Plan.

This revolutionary project in the field of manufacturing precision metal components with high added value is set to be a paradigm shift in hybrid manufacturing, driving the transition towards a more efficient, digitised and environmentally friendly industry.