Aligning research, development, and innovation activities with MCG’s overall strategy is one of the core principles behind the creation of MCG EvoLab.
This department and its dedicated team, which spans all business and production areas of the company, are growing in terms of activity and the importance of ongoing projects.
In addition to designing and validating prototypes for ongoing projects, this team also supports MCG’s industrial activity with innovative solutions that save time and resources on production lines.
Rui Marques, the engineer responsible for MCG EvoLab, shows us some examples. “EvoLab has been aiding production through 3D printing creating various manufacturing aids for several processes. This has included machining profiles, bonding, and bending”, he explains, also recalling the support given in the design of verification templates/assembly aids for MCG Industry electronic assembly lines.
Recent projects and activities at MCG EvoLab:
Virtual welding systems with Soldamatic Technology
Soldamatic is a technology for simulating manual welding in a 3D and augmented reality environment. As a training and education solution for welders, it plays a significant role at MCG EvoLab in developing young welding professionals starting their careers in MCG Industry production units.
3D printing that helps to manufacture
3D printing technologies have been a longstanding focus of MCG’s R&D departments, supporting various development projects whenever possible.
This resource also supports activities on numerous production lines. Examples include 3D printing of elements that are integrated into robotic welding lines and the manufacturing of components that support raw materials during the machining operation.
There are also recurring internal training sessions in the area of 3D printing so that all company departments know the advantages of this technology in their daily activities.
Training for the use of collaborative robots
The robotization of production lines has been one of MCG’s main investments over the last few years, which is why MCG EvoLab plays an important role in presenting the company’s Employees how they can take advantage of these technologies.
Artificial Intelligence applied to Industry 4.0
How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to increase productivity rates and optimize the work (and well-being) of all Employees is one of the most important topics covered daily at MCG EvoLab, as it is present in all quadrants of the MCG.
As part of this activity, MCG EvoLab regularly sends all the company’s Employees the latest news regarding AI technologies applied to development and production.
NGS – New Generation Storage project
Following the completion of the design of these battery storage modules, a prototype of an internal battery module will now be produced.
Full manufacture of the BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) demonstrator is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, after which the project will enter the demonstration and testing phase at a location to be determined by the consortium.
TKE Multi project
MCG EvoLab has fully assembled the metal structures that MCG will supply to TKE as the basis for the new cable-free MULTI elevator. MCG has already built two prototype units of the main structure and support for this elevator.
Seeds project
A project in preparation for submission under P2030, with MCG leading the consortium. This involves technology for producing large composite components using epoxy resin with reinforcing fibers via the HP-RTM process, particularly suited for medium-volume production series.
At MCG, a TRL 7 manufacturing process will be developed (prototype demonstration in an operational environment), including the mixing/injection operation, parts pressing, finishing/machining, and automatic inspection.
More information on MCG EvoLab:
(Interview originally published in issue #09 of Revista M, pages 78-81)