EcomatLab – Materials and AM

EcomatLab – Laboratory for Eco-Sustainable Materials

 

Location

University of Genoa, DIME – Via all’Opera Pia 15, Genoa

 

Managers

Prof. Enrico Lertora

Prof. Flavia Libonati

Email: e.lertora@unige.it ; flavia.libonati@unige.it

 

Website

https://www.dime.unige.it/EcomatLab-Materiali-e-AM

 

 

Recommended hashtags

#AdditiveManufacturing
#AdvancedMaterials
#SustainableMaterials
#AdvancedSimulation
#DesignForAM
#FoFLiguria5.0

 

 

Node Overview: Support, Simulation, Decision Support

EcomatLab is an integrated laboratory dedicated to the design, development, and validation of eco-sustainable materials and components for advanced industrial applications. The node combines expertise in mechanical and computational design, additive manufacturing, assembly processes, and materials chemistry, offering a multidisciplinary approach that synergistically integrates materials design and performance optimization processes throughout the product life cycle.

The laboratory supports SMEs and local businesses in adopting additive manufacturing and advanced materials solutions, fostering the transition to more sustainable, efficient, and digital production models. A key role is played by the integration of simulation, optimization, and Artificial Intelligence tools to support material, component, and process control design.

 

 

Scientific Insights

  • Advanced Engineering and Design for Additive Manufacturing
  • Polymeric, Composite, and Hybrid Materials with Low Environmental Impact
  • Additive Manufacturing (FDM, SLA) for Research and Validation
  • Assembly of Multifunctional Components and Structures
  • Numerical Simulation, Topology Optimization, and Multi-Objective Analysis
  • Data-Driven and AI Approaches for Materials and Processes

 

Services Offered

 

1. Development of Innovative and Eco-Sustainable Materials

Services dedicated to the design and manufacturing of sustainable metallic, polymeric, and composite materials, using conventional and additive manufacturing techniques. Activities include the selection of eco-friendly materials and the formulation of tailored solutions for functional and environmental requirements, supporting MSMEs in reducing environmental impact and improving product performance.

2. Characterization and Validation of Advanced Materials

Analysis and testing of the physical, mechanical, morphological, and durability properties of materials, aimed at validating performance under real-world operating conditions and compliance with technical and industrial standards. This support is aimed at MSMEs operating in highly critical industrial sectors.

3. Support for Circular Design & De-Manufacturing

Activities to support the adoption of circular economy models, including life cycle assessments (LCA), design for disassembly, recovery, and reuse of materials, as well as de-manufacturing simulations and end-of-life management strategies for products.

4. Technology Transfer and Process Innovation

Technical and strategic consulting for the adoption of advanced and sustainable production technologies, including the integration of additive manufacturing into industrial processes. Special attention is paid to innovating assembly processes, using advanced welding and structural bonding techniques, and to supporting participation in innovation calls and projects.

5. Technical Training and Professional Development

Theoretical and practical training courses on sustainable materials, additive technologies, and the circular economy, with specific modules on advanced material assembly processes. These activities are aimed at developing up-to-date technical skills to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs.

6. Virtual Prototyping

Multiscale and multi-physics numerical simulation services, based on CAD/CAE models, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, to support the development of innovative materials and products, reducing prototyping times and costs.

7. Integrated Packages – EcomatLab for MSMEs

Modular solutions that integrate analysis, testing, consulting, and training into comprehensive packages, designed to effectively address the specific needs of MSMEs in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness.

 

 

Rates and Packages

 

Basic Rate

All-inclusive hourly rate: €150/h

Reduced rate for SMEs with co-financed projects: €90–120/h

 

Examples of available packages (indicative rates)

  • EcoStart Package: Materials analysis + testing + mini-training €6,400
  • GreenProcess Package: Assessment + redesign + basic LCA €8,000
  • Additive Processing Package: Prototyping + testing + training €5,600

 

Access Methods

Through the digital or physical help desk.

A preliminary assessment of project coherence is required.

Scalable packages, regional vouchers, project support, and support programs are available for European calls for proposals, civil defense, and strategic supply chains.

 

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