IMH - Institute of Modelling and High-Performance Computing

Germany: North Rhine-Westphalia

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The IMH is an application oriented research institute focusing on computer simulation, parallel computing and design optimization. One core area is the computer simulation of fluid flow together with heat and mass transfer (Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD) in micro-fluidics and biotechnology. Computer simulation of fluid flow is like the weather film during weather forecast. Arrows show the air velocity and colors depict the temperature and pressure. When critical areas can be seen it is possible to address issues directly. Therefore computer simulations reduces time-to-market and development cost.

 

The IMH is member of the BioInnovation Growth mega-Cluster (BIG) Think Tank "C1 Conversion" aiming to transform Europe’s industrial mega cluster in the Flanders region of Belgium, The Netherlands and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia into the global leader of bio-based innovation growth.
The IMH is equipped with several compute clusters up to 512 computer cores and the necessary commercial CFD licences.
. Our services comprise analyzing the process under consideration, development of a mathematical model and simulations with it, comparison of the model with physical experiments, optimization of the process and transfer of the results to reality.
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

VTT Advanced biomaterials pilot plants

Finland: West Finland

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd is a leading research and technology company in the Nordic countries. VTT’s strong expertise in the field of novel biobased materials and process development, together with our approaches for systematic evaluation, simulation and modelling, will provide a fast lane to novel technolgy and business concepts.

VTT's pilot plants and other innovation infrastructure for advanced biomaterials are in three locations in Finland. In Jyväskylä (at the KETs Map) are loceted facilities for fibre web and foam forming development, in Tampere biocomposites and plastic prcocessing pilots and in Espoo roll-to-roll coating and surface treatment pilot line. The wide varierty of VTT's researach services and professionals are also available for our pilot customers.

VTT’s work with foam forming technology has enabled a leap in lightweighting, and opened the door for new fiber-based innovations. Our extensive work with nanocellulose has led to several applications, the… VTT's advanced biomaterial processing and converting pilot plants are for:
- fibre and fibre foam web production,
- biocomposite and plastic processing,
- roll-to-roll coating and surface treatments.

The foam forming environment offers piloting of 300mm wide webs with speeds upto 1,000m/min for grammages from 25 to 200 g/m2. Foam can be generated in a tank or on-line, and trials can be run in the Fourdrinier, gap or hybrid geometries to provide reels, which can be dried offline. The piloting is supported by extensive and unique laboratory devices optimized for fibre foams.

​VTT has comprehensive research facilities for the processing of (bio)plastics and composites. These include various pre- and post-processing equipment as well as extrusion, foaming, compounding and moulding machines from laboratory to pilot-scale. In addition, the facilities are equipped with modern structural and mechanical characterisation instruments. We focus on particle and extrusion foaming of bio-polymer materials for…. VTT has a versatile set of pilot plants for many industrial development chains: from raw material sourcing and processing through smart industrial conversions to application testing and demonstration.

Piloting at VTT is supported by a critical mass of expertise. We can provide experienced professionals and other R&D services, among others in material science, process modelling, chemistry, biotechnology, analytics and techno-economic feasibility studies. We also have expertise in preparing sustainability assessments, and can help you find sources of R&D funding.

VTT has strong expertise in experimental and conceptual development of novel biobased materials and processes. This together with our well established approaches for systematic evaluation, simulation and modelling, will provide a fast lane to feasibility estimates scale-up of novel technolgy and business concepts.
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV

Germany: Bavaria

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The Fraunhofer IVV stands for high-quality food products and safe, effective, and convenient packaging systems. Efficient use of raw materials and minimal environmental impact are priorities in all our development work. The institute transfers technologies and expertise to applications outside the food and packaging industries. Companies and research organizations appreciate the Fraunhofer IVV as a business partner. People are inspired by its research work and the resulting products.

Research Fields

Process Development for Plant Raw Materials
Food Process Development
Retention of Food Quality
Sensory Analytics
Product Safety and Analytics
Materials Development
Machine and Process Design
Process Development for Polymer Recycling

Further information
Pilot Plant

Packaging development
Processing machinery and packaging technology
Food development
Process development plant raw materials
Process development for plastic recycling

Analytical equipment for

Testing packaging materials
Migration testing and contaminant analysis
Sensory Analytics
Measuring the properties of foods and food ingredients

 
.
Food
Packaging
Product Performance
Processing Machinery
Recycling and Environment

. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT

Germany: Baden-Württemberg

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

Applied Electrochemistry

Energetic Materials

Energetic Systems

Polymer Engineering

Environmental Engineering

New Drive Systems

Sustainable Chemistry

Functional Lightweight Design

Sustainable Mobility

Explosives, Safety and Security

Energy storage Batteries an Thermal
210.000 sqm property, 27.300 sqm infrastructure, therof >10 technical centers (industry-oriented equipment as extruders, presses, injection-moulding, synthesis), several test centers (battrytesting, environmental testing, safety and security tests at explosives and other eg Hydrogen), > 70 chemical and physical laboraties (renewed in the last 5 years), almost all analytical testing (mechanical chemical, ..)
. Scientific & technological

Study / initial design / Simulation

Material development

Process development

Proof of concept / Lab testing of basic experimental set-up/ Characterisation

Component/ breadboard / process development & testing

Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing

Benchmarking

Pilot line / demonstration line / preseries
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CENTEXBEL

Belgium: Brussels Region

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

Centexbel was founded in 1950 at the initiative of Fedustria to reinforce the competitive position of the Belgian textile companies.

To fulfill this mission, Centexbel offers an extensive range of axtivities to the textile industry, including Research & Development, testing, certification, consultancy, and training.

Centexbel guarantees:

independent and objective advice
the expertise of 160 highly educated collaborators
transsectorial and international networking
focus on sustainable development
practice-oriented support
partnership
an open approach

In 2014, VKC (Flemish Plastics Centre) became a division of Centexbel, by which the expertise and services are expanded to the plastic converting industry.
Centexbel's research activities are primarily focused on a "sustainable" textile industry. In this context, Centexbel examines and evaluates the applicability and added value of the results of fundamental research, of new materials, additives and technologies (some of which are already applied in other industrial sectors).

Pilot platforms

Professional guidance and testing facilities for product development and optimisation and for small production runs on our five semi-industrial platforms :

knitting
coating
extrusion
textile finishing
laundry platform
composite reinforcement

Testing (and certification) of textiles - from raw material to finished product - in an independent and accredited textile laboratory not only results into an important competitive advantage but is also proof of your respect of your ultimate users' well-being.

Testing Laboratories

burning behaviour
chemicale testing
physical testing
microbiological testing

 
. Centexbel puts several semi-industrial platforms at the disposal of the industry to perform test runs or very small production runs and for product development purposes, under the supervision and guidance of our experts.

We also organise seminars, information sessions and congresses on a very regular basis about all aspects of product development, new and sustainable production processes, energy and environment... at a very reasonable price, all the more so since Centexbel is a recognized service and training provider.

The dissemination of information is also guaranteed by:

the publication of several newsletters
standardisation activities: as sectoral operator of all textile related standards, Centexbel is the spokesperson of the Belgian textile industry in the European and international standardisation committees (CEN & ISO)
patents and intellectual property rights (IPR): our patent cell welcomes the industry and all its questions related to patents and IPR

Finally, several Centexbel…. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

VTT MICRONOVA

Finland: Helsinki-Uusimaa

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

VTT Micronova facility is a micro & nano-electronic research facility located in Espoo Finland that is jointly operated with Aalto University. The facility is the main hub for R&D services in MEMS & micro-electronics including technology development, product development and manufacturing process development services. As well as publicly funded research, VTT conducts private contract research with global companies and SMEs. Micronova also houses 15+ SME companies who develop and make their products in the facility, usually based on technologies that have been previously developed in VTT
The facility consists of two large semiconductor manufacturing cleanrooms and a number of other laboratories for processing, testing and characterization of micro and nano-electronic devices. The cleanrooms contain semiconductor processing equipment for lithography, etching and deposition as well as test and measuring equipment such as SEMs. In total there are some 200+ pieces of equipment that are used across a range of technology platforms.
. In addition to R&D services, Micronova offers training, education and small scale manufacturing. R&D services include design, prototypes, process development and characterization

http://www.micronova.fi/

 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

VTT SMACC Smart Machines and Manufacturing Competence Centre

Finland: West Finland

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

SMACC ecosystem hosts a network of research infrastructures and test facilities. It offers one-stop-shop for manufacturing industry ecosystem to reach Finland’s most advanced facilities and knowledge.SMACC offers unique services for SME`s in the field of machinery, manufacturing and digitalisation. The key features are rapid solutions, cutting-edge research expertise and extensive partnership networks.

SMACC consist of versatile research facilities, equipment and laboratories of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Tampere University of Technology (TUT) and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) available for SMEs. The research infrastructure can be utilised for various purposes such as product prototype creation, demonstrations and laboratory piloting in conjunction with production renewals or introduction of new technologies.
SMACC includes over 20 different laboratories with different expertise. Each laboratory can offer their diverse equipment to be utilized in various projects, pilots, demonstrations and other activities. SMACC-Labs’ infrastructures are grouped under 5 themes: Digital Factory, Robotic Village, Digital Systems, Materia Insight and Smart Machines.

The facilities and equipment of SMACC-Labs cover are continuously extending including, but not limited to:

Over 15 industrial robots with varying payloads from 2 to 225kg, e.g. ABB IRB 120, ABB IRB 4600, Comau NM 45-2.0, Kuka KR 110-150, Kuka KR 2500-150, Schunk Powerball LWA 4P, mir100, UR10

Extensive software selection for technical computing, design, simulation and monitoring.
Tools and software for production simulation and planning, off-line programming, and dynamic safety system definition for human-robot collaboration.
A variety of VTT developed open tools for digital factories (https://www.simulationstore.com/)

Virtual Reality….
Pilot line / demonstration line / scale-up and pre-series
Full-scale production modelling, simulation and planning. Order and delivery process development
Proofs of concept and Lab testing of basic experimental set-up for e.g. machine and production systems, robotics and automation and IoT
Prototyping (integrated system/ sub-system) development & testing
Scientific & technological development
Product validation, certification and characterisation
Study / initial design / Simulation
Renting of available & selected infrastructure for SMEs
Awareness creation, scouting, brokerage, networking
Ecosystem building, program and project services, co-creation, international networking
Visioning and Strategy Development for Businesses
Digital Maturity Assessment
Incubator/accelerator support
Market intelligence
Education and skills development

. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CAMT - Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

Poland: Dolnośląskie

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

Research areas and competencies of CAMT are within the most recent development, manufacturing and informatics systems trends known not only in Poland. A broad extent of carried out research programmes and implementation projects assures a constant technological improvement and enhances the scientific and research potential of CAMT – over the centre's existence (since 2000) it has grown from 16 to 76 employees (2 full professors, 3 associate professors, 28 assistant professors, 23 postgraduates and 23 scientific-research workers, paid of commissions and projects). This trend is highly conducive to establishing a close cooperation with industry and enables to carry out research projects in national and international associations – several projects within the frame of FP6/FP7/H2020 and commissioned directly from industry, chiefly German, were carried out. Unprecedented so far international contacts, involving staff exchange (dozens of people a year, some of whom come to the Centre from abroad), create… Technological part of CAMT is organized in the form of five laboratories:

LASER – laser technology laboratory – to perform research of processes and laser technologies, mainly: welding, cladding, laser surface treatment, micromachining, precision cutting, laser beam quality monitoring.

BadMat – material testing laboratory – to perform research in the field of inspection and control of materials and mechanical relating to the identification of important factors affecting technological process (macro- and micro material properties, mechanical properties, surface properties, chemical composition, etc.).

LRPD – rapid prototyping laboratory – rapid prototyping (RP) and tools for prototype series (RT) technologies development, which are used in the early stages of production development, which helps reduce time and cost associated with the introduction of the product on the market.

LRE - reverse engineering laboratory (accreditation PCA No. AB 969) – digitizing of physical objects to the three…. CAMT provides as the University and Research Centre both training and R&D in areas actively investigated in CAMT which may be classified as follows:

1. Product design and development
a.  Computer Aided technologies: CAD, CAM, CAE, Virtual Prototyping
b. Modelling, simulation and optimisation in mechanical engineering
c. Product Lifecycle Management, Production Management
d. Knowledge Management
e. Standardisation in design, product development and manufacturing

2.  Materials engineering
a. New materials (alloys, composites, smart materials, magnetic materials, powders of metals, ceramics and polymers, etc.)
b. Materials technologies (micro-metallurgy, composite manufacturing, 3D printing, etc.)
c. Characterisation of materials (static, dynamic, thermal, chemical, etc.)

3.  Manufacturing technologies
a. Casting
b. Forming
c. Injection moulding
d. Machining (difficult-to-machine materials, micro-machining, precision machining, etc.)
e. Surface engineering
f. Bonding (welding, joining,…. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

Toulouse White Biotechnology

France: Occitania

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

Toulouse White Biotechnology (TWB) is a pre-industrial demonstrator which facilitates the interface between companies and academics, offering R&D projects from laboratory research to pilot scale (biocatalysis, synthetic biology, process engineering), in the field of biomaterials, chemicals and biofuels. TWB is an administrative body supported by French National Institute of Agronomy (INRA) with an association agreement National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA Toulouse) and Scientific Research National Center (CNRS). The activities foster the creation and design of biological tools (enzymes, microorganisms, microbial consortia) for use in industrial processes. TWB offers collaborative public / private R&D projects and services. The projects are based on a continuum of expertise: from research and proof of concept to pre-industrial development and industrial technology transfer including business creation. The expertise covers a broad scope of industrial biotechnology: enzyme engineering, synthetic biology… The Microbial strain engineering platform is equipped with two automated colony pickers and specific equipment dedicated to the high-throughput analysis and preparation of nucleic acids, proteins and microorganisms, e.g. capillary electrophoresis systems, spectrofluorometer, custom-made cloning and transformation stations, flow cytometer analyzer/sorter, high capacity transfer liquid systems. The Biotransformation and culture process platform has a whole range of instrumented bioreactors with capacities from 50 mL to 300 L (batch, fed-batch, continuous). These reactors are coupled to an adapted at-line or on-line analytical system characterizing liquid, solid and gas phases. TWB is equipped with a custom-made high-throughput culture station. It consists of a robotic device fully automated and equipped with 24 mini-bioreactors (50mL). The Analytical platform includes chromatographic separation devices (liquid, ion, gas and size exclusion) and conventional and new-generation detectors (UV, infrared,…. TWB delivers a broad scope of services based on its experience in industrial biotechnology: enzyme engineering, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, fermentation, separation and purification processes and analytical techniques.

TWB offers research and development contracts to private companies from research to pilot scale (metabolic pathway design, strain optimization, process optimization and scale-up), in connection with researchers from the top public laboratories.

TWB develops standard and customized service offers: technical and support services on TWB technical platforms, access to equipment, hosting and training.

Technical and support services are (i) High-throughput colony picking, (ii) Plasmid and strain engineering, (iii) Single cell characterization and high throughput screening of microbial cells by cytometry, (iv) Rapid optimization of microbial and enzymatic bioprocess, (v) Scale-up of the microbial culture process, (vi) Amino acid quantitative assay, (vii) Determination of the…. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CITCEA-UPC

Spain: Catalonia

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

CITCEA-UPC is a technology transfer centre which was created in 2001 within the UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, BarcelonaTech), and it is specialized in responding to electrical and electronic technological challenges. The aim of the centre is to receive these challenges and solve them by creating a functional prototype that will serve the companies to eventually develop a new commercial product or to solve a new technological problem created by the growth and evolution of the society.

The centre is formed by 9 UPC professors, 7 PhD, 15 hired engineers and 30 undergraduate and postgraduate students.  The centre received on 2001 the TECNO certification, created by the Government of Catalonia, through ACCIÓ. This certification recognizes CITCEA-UPC as a Catalan technology reference centre with high capacity and experience to carry out projects of all kinds, whether from commercial projects with private companies to European projects in cooperation with various institutions and companies… Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya has multiple facilities and equipment for the development of research activities, this equipment can be consulted in the following web:

Http://www.upc.edu/sct/ca/

For its part, CITCEA-UPC also has the necessary equipment for the development projectes in its expertise fields. The most important are listed below:

Microgrid: An experimental microgrid, designed and built by the CITCEA-UPC team, is available for the testing and validation of new technologies in the field of electrical engineering. This microrred is composed by different battery emulators, photovoltaic system emulators, diesel generator emulators and different load emulators. So it is possible to test multiple configurations and equipment with real electricity, not just by simulating.

Simulation equipment: Specialized computers with high calculation power are available for the development of those modellings, simulations and calculations with greater complexity, reducing calculation and development…. CITCEA-UPC is able to provide different types of services to the industry and the SMEs:

- Technology studies: Tecnology scouting,  validation of concepts, legal and economic possibilities...

- Prototype design and development: Power electronics systems, PCBs, converters...

- Training: Masters, professional courses and customized courses.

 

 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology