E(co)METAL – Energy-Efficient Metal Processing Through Intelligent Power Electronics and AI
The decarbonization of industry requires new technologies that make production processes more energy-efficient while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness as a business location. The E(co)METAL research project is developing innovative approaches to energy-efficient metal processing based on the electroplastic effect (EPE). This effect enables metals to be processed with less force and energy by applying targeted electrical current during forming.
The project focuses on the further development of the mobile electrotechnical system META, which is supplemented by new power electronic control concepts, modern sensor technology, and automation technologies. This allows the electrical current to be precisely applied to the forming process in both space and time. This opens up new possibilities for energy-efficient forming processes and current-based heat treatments in the metalworking industry.
AIT is contributing its expertise in the fields of power electronics, high-current technology, and intelligent control systems to the project. In addition, data-driven models and machine learning methods are being developed to optimize process parameters and enable industrial application to complex forming processes such as deep drawing or tube drawing. A comprehensive simulation model digitally maps the electroplastic effect and supports the efficient design of future production processes.
E(co)METAL thus contributes to reducing energy consumption in metal processing and supports the transformation of energy-intensive industries toward climate-neutral production processes. The technologies developed lay the foundation for resource-efficient, data-driven, and competitive next-generation manufacturing processes.
