Machining 4.0 helps machining business to innovate

Innovative technologies which make companies stronger and more competitive for the future also have a lot to offer to the machining industry. The Interreg project Machining 4.0 translates the broad Industry 4.0 vision into concrete applications for machining, tailored to SMEs.

Objective

To better prepare them for new challenges such as small series, more complex products and shorter lead times, the Machining 4.0 project aims to support machining SMEs in integrating innovative technologies into their production: Industry 4.0, collaborative robots, digital production, innovative processes, ...  

Approach

In the project, seven regions intensively work together to support the machining industry. The focus of the project is on the development of practical tools, applications and workshops so that machining SMEs can start working with recent developments within Industry 4.0:

• A ‘machining 4.0’ web portal gives SMEs free access to relevant knowledge about innovative machining technologies. An overview is given of relevant technologies, possible applications, practical examples and testimonials, ...
• A cross-border field lab network integrates seven regional application labs and gives companies open access to innovative technologies and inspiring demonstrators. Workshops will be set up for SMEs so that they can work with these technologies in their company.
• Twelve machining applications - based on the challenges of the NWE machining sector - are being developed and translate the broad Industry 4.0 vision into concrete machining applications.
• A voucher scheme will be set up to provide financial support to companies wishing to transform their production.

Partnership

The project joins the expertise of ten partners from seven regions:

• Sirris (BE)
• Centre Technique des Industries Mécaniques (FR)
• Fraunhofer-Anwendungszentrum Industrial Automation (DE)
• MedicalMountains AG (DE)
• Irish Manufacturing Research (IE)
• University College Dublin - National University of Ireland Dublin (IE) 
• Swiss Mechatronics (CH)
• ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (CH)
• Stichting STODT Praktijkcentrum voor geavanceerde Technologie (NL)
• University of Strathclyde (UK)

Financing

The North-West Europe Interreg programme is part of the European Cohesion Policy and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The programme is designed to promote cooperation in North-West Europe. 

The total project budget is EUR 4.25 million, of which EUR 2.55 million comes from the ERDF Fund.