SMART3D - Smart 3D Polymer Devices Production Chain

The project "Smart3D - Smart 3D Polymer Devices Production Chain" aims to realize an integrated production process based on the use of technical polymers, through the adoption of innovative Additive Manufacturing techniques, Laser Assisted Welding and Automatic Testing Machines. The objective of the project proposal is to provide flexible technologies necessary for the mass production of parts made by polymer Additive Manufacturing, through the use of materials already on the market or completely innovative. These technologies will have as the lowest common denominator the use of laser sources, already established in additive manufacturing, but experimental and innovative in the welding of both mono- and multi-material plastic components. The latter will enable reliable and qualitatively excellent mechanical joining of both micro- and macro-components, while also ensuring hermetic-type sealing. Additive Manufacturing will thus be the technological basis for the development of the next generation of techniques for the production of smart artifacts, made through the use of innovative materials and enabling solutions based on the integration of electronic components (sensors, transducers or actuators), ensuring smart functionality and autonomous energy sustenance systems ("energy harvesting").