The overarching goal of the METALIA project is to enhance the capabilities of the Spanish industrial sector by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Machine Learning (ML) to optimize the additive manufacturing (AM) value chain for new metallic materials. This includes design, manufacturing, post-processing, and life cycle analysis. The project also aims to validate these AI tools across various industrial sectors, particularly in industrial biotechnology applications. By automating quality control, improving productivity, and expanding the range of usable materials, METALIA seeks to advance additive manufacturing and enhance the competitiveness of Spanish industry.

Furthermore, the TransMisiones 2023 initiative fosters collaboration among five small and medium-sized enterprises (EGILE, CUBICOFF, GSC, BITMETRICS, and DLYTE) and four research centers (CATEC, IMDEA Materials, LEITAT, and UPM) within the CDTI and AEI consortia. This collaboration aims to facilitate the transfer of scientific research into technological advancements, thereby driving progress toward advanced levels of technological maturity.

The MEDINSPAIN project aims to reshape the end-of-life battery value chain by developing innovative technologies. It focuses on advanced solutions for automated disassembly, contactless chemistry classification, safe dry discharge, and direct electrode recycling, while enabling the reuse of recovered materials as cathode compounds, ceramic frits, and molten salts for thermal energy storage. A key element is the creation of a secure digital Battery Passport to ensure transparent traceability and data sharing. By closing the loop of battery materials, MEDINSPAIN seeks to cut Europe’s reliance on imported critical raw materials, lower the carbon footprint of energy storage, and boost Spain’s strategic position in the European battery ecosystem.

Carried out under the TransMisiones 2024 programme, MEDINSPAIN brings together six industrial companies (BOSONIT, A3, BITMETRICS, PICVISA, DLYTE CHEMICALS, TORRECID) and three centres (CIDETEC, ICV-CSIC, DEUSTO) within the CDTI and AEI consortia. Combining expertise in data governance, robotics, artificial vision, AI and materials science, the consortium will validate pilot-scale solutions that go beyond the current state of the art and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and competitive European battery industry.

The DryTi3D project aims to transform post-processing treatments in additive manufacturing by developing and validating a novel dry electropolishing process for titanium (Ti6Al4V) components intended for biomedical and aerospace applications. The goal is to achieve high-quality surfaces with improved roughness, mechanical performance, and biocompatibility, while reducing the environmental impact of conventional chemical treatments.

The project investigates the design of new solid-state electrolytes under different conditions (particle size, acidic media, and concentration), as well as the definition of electrical parameters and polishing strategies to maximize process efficiency. It also focuses on advanced surface and sub-surface characterization, with the aim of obtaining mirror-like finishes and enhanced properties under service-like conditions. In parallel, predictive models and monitoring systems are being developed to ensure process reliability, and the results will be validated through representative demonstrators.

By combining industrial know-how with technological excellence, DryTi3D aims to achieve a significant leap in technological maturity and to position Spain as a reference in the development of clean and competitive technologies for 3D-printed applications.

The main objective of the SAFE-AIR project is to advance the aeronautics sector through the development of new additive manufacturing and post-processing technologies aimed at reducing weight and improving the environmental efficiency of aero-structures. The project explores the topological optimization of lightweight alloy parts, the application of large-scale additive manufacturing processes, the enhancement of surface quality and mechanical integrity through advanced machining and polishing techniques, and the valorization of titanium and aluminum residues to produce recycled powders suitable for 3D printing. With this approach, SAFE-AIR seeks to reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions, thereby contributing to the European goals of decarbonization and net-zero aviation.

The project is carried out under the 2024 Misiones de Ciencia e Innovación Programme of CDTI and involves the collaboration of leading industrial companies and technological centres. This alliance combines expertise in additive manufacturing, materials recycling, machining, and advanced post-processing, and will validate the results through demonstrators. In this way, SAFE-AIR aims to bridge the gap between experimental research and industrial implementation, reinforcing Spain’s role in aeronautical innovation and in the circular economy.

RESTORE is a European R&D project dedicated to developing a holistic, scalable and sustainable recycling process for end-of-life (EoL) electric vehicle (EV) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The project focuses on creating innovative technologies for the safe sorting, dismantling, pre-processing, separation and purification of battery materials, maximizing the recovery of valuable resources that are often lost through conventional recycling methods. These include electrolytes, electrolyte salts, solvents, graphite and cathode active materials (CAM), which can be recovered with sufficient purity to be directly reintroduced into the battery manufacturing value chain.

RESTORE combines improvements across the entire recycling process, from battery identification and dismantling to the production of battery-grade materials, increasing efficiency while reducing waste and environmental impact. The project also validates the recovered materials for their use in new energy storage applications and promotes a more circular and resource-efficient battery ecosystem. Supported by leading European industrial partners and research organisations, RESTORE contributes to the objectives of the EU Battery Regulation and the 2030 Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in battery materials.

NANOCRAFT is an R&D project focused on developing an innovative surface finishing solution for the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing. As semiconductor devices continue to shrink, manufacturers require extremely flat and defect-free surfaces at the nanometer scale, a challenge currently addressed by Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) despite its limitations in process complexity, precision, water consumption and environmental impact.

The project aims to adapt DLyte technology, an abrasion-free dry electropolishing process based on conductive particles, to achieve the exceptional flatness and dimensional accuracy required for advanced semiconductor applications. By replacing conventional abrasive polishing with an ion-exchange-based approach, NANOCRAFT seeks to deliver higher process stability, improved surface quality and greater manufacturing efficiency, while significantly reducing the use of water and consumables. The project will establish a more sustainable and competitive alternative to traditional CMP, enabling cleaner manufacturing processes and supporting the future demands of the semiconductor industry.