Presentation & Goals
STAMP-IT: INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN ALUMINIUM PANEL MANUFACTURING
STAMP-IT (Sustainable Technology for the Advanced Manufacturing of Panels for the Interior of Trains) is a project by MCG – Manuel da Conceição Graça, Lda, developed in co-promotion with idMEC – Mechanical Engineering Institute of Instituto Superior Técnico. Its main goal is to research, develop, and validate an innovative solution for aluminium side panels for railway interiors.
To achieve these goals, the project makes use of advanced technologies such as warm stamping and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) as a solution for the rapid production of tooling, enabling a more efficient and sustainable approach to the manufacturing of components for railway vehicles.
Warm stamping of large aluminium panels emerges as a promising technology for railway interior applications, as it enables more advanced and complex geometries without relying on conventional processes and tooling that are often more complex and less energy-efficient.
Nevertheless, warm stamping requires advanced tooling, with active components such as punches, dies, and blank holders that need to be heated to high temperatures.
However, the traditional manufacturing process of these tools, which involves casting and machining, limits the integration of sensors, cooling channels, and heating elements. In this context, Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) offers a more efficient and flexible solution, allowing for the incorporation of internal cavities and channels, ensuring improved thermal control of the tooling.
Launched in February 2025, the STAMP-IT project has a duration of three years. Through this initiative, MCG and IST idMEC strengthen their commitment to innovation by developing cutting-edge technologies that optimise production and contribute to a more competitive and environmentally friendly railway sector.
Advancements & Technical Information
ALUMINIUM INTERIOR PANELS. WHY?
What drives the STAMP-IT project?
Innovation in the development and manufacturing of aluminum interior panels for light and conventional railway vehicles.
Interior panels for railway vehicles are manufactured using a variety of materials and technologies, depending on the preferences defined in each project.
However, the need to reduce weight and ensure a high recyclability rate in the vehicle suggests a trend towards replacing fiber-reinforced composite materials (GRP) with aluminum.
Additionally, aluminum is more durable and can produce high-quality manufactured parts at equally competitive prices.
FOR MORE EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
How the STAMP-IT project can simplify and revolutionize the production process of this type of material.
Warm stamping of aluminum sheets
Warm stamping makes it possible to increase the formability limits of aluminium sheets compared to conventional cold stamping, potentially achieving an improvement of up to 20%.
This technique, therefore, allows for the creation of more advanced geometries in the wall panel, making it possible to use aluminum solutions in more modern interior designs.
Single-piece panel manufacturing
Aluminum side panels for railway interiors are manufactured through a process that involves multiple operations, including the use of extruded profiles, sheet bending, and welding.
STAMP-IT proposes the production of these panels as a single piece using warm stamping, thereby eliminating additional assembly and welding operations.
This innovation enables an estimated 30% reduction in manufacturing costs, while also simplifying the production process.
MCG & Instituto Superior Técnico
In partnership with Instituto Superior Técnico, the STAMP-IT project is MCG’s innovative response to the demands of the railway sector, aiming to develop aluminium side panels that are lighter, stronger, and more sustainable.
- Aluminium interior panels for light and conventional railway vehicles
- Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) of tooling
- Warm stamping of aluminium sheets
- Single-piece panel manufacturing
Official website
A project co-funded by:
Full sheet
PROJECT DESIGNATION:
STAMP-IT
OPERATION CODE:
COMPETE2030-FEDER-01473900
TOTAL INVESTMENT:
1.321.170,34 Euros
ELEGIBLE INVESTMENT:
1.321.170,34 Euros
EUROPEAN UNION CO-FINANCING:
47%
» View STAMP-IT Project Operations Spreadsheet