What if complexity would no longer be what we’re used to interpret in manufacturing, i.e. geometrical. Smart functionalities within the material are what we consider as complexity in products. Self-Healing Materials,
Triggered Biomolecules Diffusion, Smart Repairing Processes are our target functionalities; materials that can
feel history and the context, being also sensors, and set in place a strategy to optimize their behaviour.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) established a new paradigm to design products, layer-wise. And it is exactly what
enables the opportunity to incorporate complex nano-scale molecules into a macro layered structure.
In the current manufacturing landscape, realizing such advanced functionalities is hindered by the limitations of individual process technologies, regardless of how novel they may be. Product designs must conform to the constraints of each technology, which subsequently restricts the potential for redesign and the incorporation of new functionalities. WISE intends to revolutionize this paradigm, by integrating multiple functions, processes, and
scales into a single lifecycle design and into a single manufacturing machine (Fig. 1). This approach will break down these barriers, unlocking the full potential of advanced manufacturing for complex, multifunctional products. WISE will deliver knowledge, processes, and equipment to enable the cost-effective, high-throughput, high-quality production of new complex hybrid products, with enhanced functionalities.
