Manufacturing processes and materials for Unique Infrastructure

TECNALIA fosters high value-added solutions through the development of new production processes and the use of innovative materials, with a special focus on Large Scientific Facilities (LSF), the Defence sector (dual applications) and the Space sector. Our innovations are very diverse, all of which are related to manufacturing processes and advanced materials, mainly for the three priority sectors. 

The industrial implementation of these solutions will boost the competitiveness of companies by providing them with differential advantages that will be turned into direct economic results. 

Furthermore, the knowledge generated in both advanced materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes will facilitate the transfer of dual technologies to other sectors, thus contributing to welfare and social progress. 

The next decade will consolidate a paradigm of digitally manufactured high-performance materials for use in Defence (or dual applications) in the space sector and the Large Scientific Facilities sector. 

Lightweight materials capable of withstanding high temperatures, high-performance alloys and functional materials. As far as manufacturing processes are concerned, digital processes, such as additive manufacturing, hot isostatic pressing processes, electron beam welding or alternative sintering processes will take centre stage.

The most promising applications focus on:  

• Defence: protection against threats (ballistic, laser, microwave, etc.) and low observability. 
• GIC: materials and process solutions for nuclear reactors: superconductors, W-Cu joints, high quality joints, low neutron absorption materials, etc. 
• Space: high-strength heat shields, new generation of combustion chambers, etc.