Starring Innovative Treatments for Component Healing with New Grade-aluminium alloy - STITCHING

Project summary

The STITCHING project aims to extend the additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities of ALMAZIUM®, a lightweight, self-healing Al-Mg-Zr alloy with high strength (350–400 MPa), ductility (20–25%) and unique heat-activated self-healing capabilities. Building on M-ERA.Net’s HAMAAC results, STITCHING will (1) adapt ALMAZIUM® for wire-based AM (DED-arc/laser) to enable large-scale and sustainable production, (2) assess its weldability and thermal stability, (3) perform multiscale in-situ characterisation of healing mechanisms, and (4) conduct a full Life Cycle Assessment. Potential applications include thermal management systems, aerospace and defence structures, and high-performance industrial components. The project targets TRL 3 to 5, demonstrating the alloy’s reliability in relevant environments. STITCHING will enhance the European expertise in advanced AM materials, reduce environmental impact and manufacturing costs, and strengthen industrial competitiveness across the consortium.