Project Update: Additive for Mobility (A4M) – Two Years of Innovation

17. June 2026
It has been exactly two years since the launch of our lead project, Additive 4 Mobility (A4M). Driven by the goal of supporting the mobility transition through flexible, resilient, and sustainable manufacturing, our team and partners have made significant strides. By combining the strengths of 3D sand printing and wire-based additive manufacturing (WAAM), we are actively shaping a novel process chain for the automotive, aviation, and rail sectors. As we reach the mid-project mark, our core work packages are converging to turn this ambitious vision into reality.

Screenshot of an online meeting with several participants from different project partner organizations in a video conference.

The technological foundation began with establishing a comprehensive Process-Parameter Database to evaluate diverse material combinations. With this data in hand, we are now entering an exciting new phase: tackling the complex challenge of welding directly onto cast parts. This directly fuels our sustainability goals, as we concurrently develop specialized algorithms for the automated repair of industrial components such as automotive tooling molds. To seamlessly connect these physical processes, we have successfully built a Digital Twin Framework that serves as the digital backbone, enabling adaptive and intelligent process planning across the system.

Currently, the physical heart of A4M is taking shape as we design an interconnected manufacturing cell to bridge the gap between additive and conventional technologies. Rather than remaining theoretical, these combined advancements in materials, automation, and digital twins are already flowing into a multitude of industry-relevant use cases. Moving forward, the project enters a highly applied phase. We look forward to seeing these integrated technologies take further shape in our TRL 5-7 (Technology Readiness Level) use cases, proving that hybrid additive manufacturing is a viable, sustainable solution for the future of global mobility.

Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of modern manufacturing!