Research and Development Projects

Companies that want to remain competitive on the market need, especially today, a good research and development department that can provide them with the tools and skills to constantly evolve.

New technologies and constant innovation are nowadays, for Comec Innovative, the key to standing out among the various competitors.

This is precisely where the Research and Development Department comes in, which, through its skills, studies, develops and implements the various research projects currently active in the company. In particular, the Research and Development Department proposes and works out all the internal logistics to carry out its scientific objectives, seeking to achieve maximum learning, sharing and contributing to the company’s technological growth.

On-going

RECLAIM-PV Project

Reshoring of Composite-Based Lightweight Advanced Integrated Module Manufacturing for PV

The RECLAIM-PV project aims to strengthen Europe’s autonomy in the photovoltaic sector through the industrialisation of Solarface®, a technology based on the encapsulation of photovoltaic cells using lightweight composite materials. The project will develop more sustainable, potentially recyclable prepregs manufactured in Europe, thereby reducing dependence on imported materials. The solutions will be intended for roofs, balconies, building-integrated façades, vehicles and other advanced photovoltaic applications.

New automated production lines, in-line monitoring systems and artificial intelligence-based digital tools will also be developed. COMEC will design a flexible machine to produce customised prepregs, equipped with automatic resin-content control, automated cutting and stacking, and controlled pre-curing. COMEC will be responsible for the design, integration, testing and production of pre-series batches.

The technologies will be validated through pilot lines and industrial demonstrators in the energy, construction and automotive sectors. The project will contribute to increasing the competitiveness, production capacity and resilience of the European photovoltaic supply chain.

Future Results:

A 20–30% reduction in the production costs of Solarface® technology and an approximately 35% reduction in prepreg costs.
An increase of up to 30% in production-line productivity and a 20% reduction in process scrap and waste.
Development of sustainable prepregs, bio-based composites and recyclable solutions based on eco-design principles.
Development and validation of a new automated COMEC line to produce prepregs for photovoltaic applications.

Funded by:

Grant N°101294550. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

On-going

MASONRY SURGEON-BOT Project

Robotics and Sensor Technology for the Sustainable Strengthening of Masonry Heritage

The MASONRY SURGEON-BOT project aims to develop an autonomous robotic system for the seismic strengthening of masonry structures, with particular focus on historic buildings and the existing built heritage. The proposed technology will enable “surgical” interventions within mortar joints, integrating structural fibers and sensorized anchors with reduced aesthetic impact. The objective is to make strengthening interventions faster, more precise, sustainable, and monitorable over time, contributing to the safety and resilience of the built environment.

Future Results:

Development and validation of a robotic prototype for the automated strengthening of masonry structures.
Creation of an integrated system for fiber placement, sensorized anchors, and structural monitoring.
Reduction of time, costs, and invasiveness compared to traditional strengthening techniques.
Development of new technological and professional skills in the fields of robotics, structural restoration, and conservation of the built heritage.

On-going

HyCavern Project

Innovative solutions for underground hydrogen storage in Lined Rock Caverns

The HyCavern project – Advancing Hydrogen Storage in Lined Rock Caverns: From Materials to Market – aims to develop innovative, safe and replicable solutions for underground hydrogen storage in Lined Rock Caverns, lined rock cavities designed to contain high-pressure gas.

Through modelling, experimental, monitoring and validation activities in a relevant environment, the project intends to contribute to the development of a flexible, scalable technology that can be adapted to different geological contexts. The final objective is to support the transition of the technology from research activities towards future industrial application, contributing to the European energy transition and to the deployment of advanced hydrogen storage systems.

Future Results:

Development and validation of technological solutions for the safe storage of hydrogen in lined rock caverns.
Definition of materials, lining systems and design configurations suitable for withstanding high-pressure operating conditions.
Implementation of advanced monitoring systems to verify the integrity and behaviour of the cavern over time.
Integration of predictive models and digital tools to support safety and risk management.
Contribution to the future industrialisation of a flexible, replicable hydrogen storage technology, also applicable in areas without salt caverns or depleted reservoirs.

Funded by:

Grant N° 101251372. The project is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them

On-going

Seagull eVTOL project

New automated solutions for laminating carbon fiber towpreg using innovative robotic systems

The SeaGull e-VTOLL project aims to develop, design, and build an innovative robotic system for laminating carbon fiber tow prepreg. The goal is to create a machine capable of producing composite components while maintaining the precision of the AFP process on the one hand and using tow prepreg material, typically used in the filament winding process, on the other. The process will be innovative for the world of composite materials and will be referred to as Towpreg Fiber Placement (TFP). Therefore, the technology aims to represent a breakthrough for the massive use of composite materials, even in sectors other than aeronautics, such as automotive and naval.

Future Results:

Development of an innovative robotic system for towpreg lamination
Study and development of an automated software system for towpreg
Study, development, and construction of a fuselage for the project prototype

Funded by:

On-going

Project VESSEL V

The purpose of this project is to define, develop, and validate a new type V (linerless) tank made of thermoplastic composite material for the storage and transport of hydrogen at 700 bar, intended for road mobility of goods and people.

The project integrates Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) technology for out-of-autoclave material deposition, with the objective of overcoming the current limitations of type IV tanks in terms of weight, cost, and environmental impact.

Future Results:

Study and development of an innovative type V thermoplastic composite tank for high-pressure hydrogen storage.
Development of an optimized AFP process with an integrated laser system for the deposition of innovative, low-environmental-impact thermoplastic materials.
Product and process validation through a test matrix and hydrostatic testing of the prototype tank.

Finanziato nell’ambito del Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR), Missione 2 – Componente 2, Investimento 3.5 «Ricerca e sviluppo sull’idrogeno», finanziato dall’Unione Europea – NextGenerationEU

N.Progetto F59J25000280004

On-going

WEEKO project

Digital environments, industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, and circular systems to give new life to ICT devices and enhance the value of waste materials.

The principles of the circular economy will be applied in a concrete manner: on the one hand it will contribute to making the current process of regeneration/reconditioning of discarded ICT devices more efficient, while on the other hand it will create added value from the waste materials resulting from the disassembly process.

The significant improvement envisaged by this project proposal will be made possible by the development of an innovative End-2-End digital platform, supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, advanced robotics systems, and the application of additive manufacturing techniques.

Future Results:

Ability to regenerate approximately 95% of discarded ICT devices,
Reduction in regeneration cycle time
Valorisation of materials recovered from discarded ICT devices, applying circular economy principles and ensuring repeatable processes for high-quality regenerated products.

Funded by:

On-going

Miracles project

Multifunctional fIbre-Reinforced plAstic Composites with MXene LayErS

The MIRACLES project aims to develop innovative MXene-based thin layers for fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs), to be used as interlayers or coatings. The initiative promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials and sustainable technologies, contributing to the circular economy and improving performance, efficiency, and quality, with a significant reduction in costs. The maximum impact of this innovation will be achieved by making FRPC structures safer, cleaner, and more economical, so that they can be used in applications where the advantages of local polymerization, de-icing, self-sensing, weight reduction, and moisture protection are evident.

Future Results:

Development of new materials with MXene-based layers
Theoretical modelling for predictive analysis and optimization of MXene-based layer properties.
Study and development of sensors printed using additive manufacturing with MXene-based inks
Experimental testing on FRPC samples to validate the multifunctional properties of the MXene-based layers developed

Funded by:

This research is funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101182521. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Trasparenza – Aiuti di Stato

Tutti gli aiuti di Stato ricevuti dalla società sono pubblicati nel Registro Nazionale degli Aiuti di Stato, nella sezione dedicata alla trasparenza, alla quale si rinvia per la consultazione.

Le informazioni sono disponibili al seguente link: https://www.rna.gov.it/trasparenza/aiuti
Per visualizzare gli aiuti ricevuti dalla società, è necessario inserire il codice fiscale dell’impresa nell’apposito campo “Codice fiscale”.

Fibercare project

PR FESR ABRUZZO 2021-2027

The aim of this project is to develop a prototype machine for the production of prepregs (PrePreg) in composite with recycled carbon fibres, validating the material through its characterization and creating products for the automotive industry. The use of recycled fibers in prepregs offers numerous advantages over traditional continuous fiber prepregs, such as considerable impact resistance and ease of processing.

Objectives and results:

Study and development of an innovative machine for the production of prepreg from recycled carbon fibre.
Development of a process using recycled carbon fibers with low environmental impact.
Validation of the process with creation of a component to be used in the automotive sector.

Funded by:

OPTITER project

Innovative digital methodologies for the manufacture of in situ sensors based on optimized conductive patterns, obtained through an intelligent additive manufacturing process for key sectors of Made in Italy.

The Optiter project explored the integration of composite materials, additive manufacturing, and digital technologies with the aim of developing more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent production solutions.

At the end of this activity, a carbon fiber demonstrator was created: a cube with trapezoidal faces, internal reinforcements, and an external skin, designed and validated digitally. The component was produced by lamination on a water-soluble mandrel obtained through additive manufacturing and subsequently functionalized with copper sensors printed using Aerosol Jet technology and sintered with a laser in situ.

This approach made it possible to optimize the conductive paths and demonstrate the potential of hybrid technologies for advanced manufacturing.

Objectives and results:

Integration of sensors into printed circuit boards using aerosol jet printing technology and sintered with laser in situ.
Effective integration between composite materials, additive manufacturing, and digital technologies developed.
Feasibility of more sustainable, efficient, and intelligent production processes demonstrated thanks to the combined use of hybrid technologies.

Funded by:

Smart Tow Winding project

New automated solutions for the impregnation and winding of towpreg

The “SMART TOW WINDING project” aims to develop a new technology of filament winding for the production of composite products.

The filament winding will be characterized by a high degree of automation and control, able to carry out the winding of towpreg at high speed.

Objectives and results:

Development of an automated filament winding technology at high speed
Study and development of an on-line control system during the winding process
Study and development of methodologies for winding towpreg

Funded by:

SEFIRO project

Sensing of FIbre through Robotization

The project aims to define, develop and validate an industrial “pressure vessel” demonstrator manufactured in filament winding of preimpregnated carbon fibers (towpreg) and sensorized by AJP (Aerosol Jet Printing) additive printing technology.

Objectives and results:

Definition of a new sensorized pressure vessel by an advanced winding process of towpreg filaments
Study and development of a sensorized vessel using AJP technology (Aerosol Jet Printing – an innovative additive manufacturing technique able to deposit a wide range of materials (conductive, dielectric, biological, nanoparticles, etc.) on a micrometric scale)
Intelligent design of sensorized pressure vessels to increase surveillance, damage prevention and security

Dissemination Magazine

Funded by:

Ministry of Economic Development

Hybreen project

Hybrid solutions for green composites, combination of several new long-fibre materials for sustainable composite parts

The HYBREEN project aims to develop lighter, more efficient, and more sustainable vehicles using natural and recycled materials and innovative manufacturing processes. The initiative combines high-performance multi-material solutions, advanced joining and 3D printing techniques, and design tools focused on sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. In this way, HYBREEN contributes to the mobility of the future by combining energy efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Objectives and results:

Increase the use of natural and recycled materials in the semi-structural parts of vehicles.
Develop sustainable processes that ensure automotive-quality standards while reducing production costs and times.
Design bonding and multi-material joining technologies to facilitate recycling and end-of-life management of components.
Implement design tools and methods to maximize the sustainability of materials without compromising performance.
Demonstrate the effectiveness of natural multi-material solutions for vehicle lightweighting and sustainability.

Funded by:

Advanced Material project

Innovative towpreg material

Research and Development of a new towpreg obtained through high efficiency impregnation technology, for the massive automatic production of composite parts.

Objectives and results:

Study and development of a new impregnated tow
Study and development of a new tow impregnation technology
Study and development of a new automated deposition technology for the new towpreg
Study and developmnet of a tow quality monitoring system and of the automated deposition phase

Funded by:

Ministry of Economic Development

GreenPreg project

Research and development of a highly recyclable epoxy-based thermoplastic GreenPreg material

The project aims to define, develop and validate an innovative, reusable and recyclable epoxy-based thermoplastic material GreenPREG, produced through a more environmentally friendly process and characterised by adequate performance, production capacity, economic and environmental advantages compared to commercial ‘fibre reinforced plastics’ (FRP) through the analysis of the material’s entire life cycle.

Objectives and results:

Study and development of processes for the manufacture of FRP material
Study and development of processes for recycling FRP prepreg material

Funded by:

European Union

IsoGrid project

Advanced materials with Isogrid structures

The use of these structures meets the current need in the transport sector for the development of components capable of withstanding high stresses and, at the same time, characterised by performance/weight ratios optimised to contain consumption and emissions.

Objectives and results:

Study and development of innovative processes for the manufacture of composite materials
Study and development of complex and innovative structural solutions for composite materials
Study and development of new environmentally sustainable industry solutions
Study and development of mathematical models for resistant Isogrid structures

Funded by:

Eco-Sustainable Matrices project

High-performance, low-impact composite materials based on environmentally sustainable matrices

Through this project, the final development and definition of a plan for initial market introduction concerned a series of new composite prepregs with reduced environmental impact that can be obtained with automated technologies with low environmental impact and through the use of eco-sustainable matrices.

Objectives and results:

Study and development of innovative processes for the manufacture of eco-friendly composite materials
Study and development of optimisation solutions for pre-impregnated fibres
Study and development of mathematical models for eco-sustainable matrices

Funded by:

Research and Development Projects

RECLAIM-PV Project

Reshoring of Composite-Based Lightweight Advanced Integrated Module Manufacturing for PV

Future Results:

MASONRY SURGEON-BOT Project

Robotics and Sensor Technology for the Sustainable Strengthening of Masonry Heritage

Future Results:

HyCavern Project

Innovative solutions for underground hydrogen storage in Lined Rock Caverns

Future Results:

Seagull eVTOL project

New automated solutions for laminating carbon fiber towpreg using innovative robotic systems

Future Results:

Project VESSEL V

Future Results:

WEEKO project

Digital environments, industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, and circular systems to give new life to ICT devices and enhance the value of waste materials.

Future Results:

Miracles project

Multifunctional fIbre-Reinforced plAstic Composites with MXene LayErS

Future Results:

Trasparenza – Aiuti di Stato

Objectives and results:

Innovative digital methodologies for the manufacture of in situ sensors based on optimized conductive patterns, obtained through an intelligent additive manufacturing process for key sectors of Made in Italy.

Objectives and results:

New automated solutions for the impregnation and winding of towpreg

Objectives and results:

Sensing of FIbre through Robotization

Objectives and results:

Ministry of Economic Development

Hybrid solutions for green composites, combination of several new long-fibre materials for sustainable composite parts

Objectives and results:

Innovative towpreg material

Objectives and results:

Ministry of Economic Development

Research and development of a highly recyclable epoxy-based thermoplastic GreenPreg material

Objectives and results:

European Union

Advanced materials with Isogrid structures

Objectives and results:

High-performance, low-impact composite materials based on environmentally sustainable matrices

Objectives and results:

More than 60 Years of Experience

COMEC INNOVATIVE S.R.L.

CERTIFICATIONS

More than 60 Years of Experience