TRUMPF, thyssenkrupp, and Fraunhofer Collaborate on de:karb Project to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Sheet Metal Processing

Employees in materials distribution. Together with thyssenkrupp Materials Services, the partners in the de:karb project are researching how to increase climate protection in sheet metal production (source: thyssenkrupp Materials Services)

(IN BRIEF) The de:karb research project, led by TRUMPF, thyssenkrupp Materials Services, and Fraunhofer IPA, aims to reduce carbon emissions in sheet metal processing. It will create an open online platform for companies to accurately determine the carbon footprint of components. The project, funded with 8.3 million euros from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, will leverage digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to optimize the entire value chain. The goal is to promote sustainability and provide companies with tools to track and reduce their carbon emissions.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, Germany, 28-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — TRUMPF, a provider of manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools, laser technology, electronics, and Industry 4.0, thyssenkrupp Materials Services, the largest mill-independent materials distributor and service provider in the Western world, and Fraunhofer IPA, one of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s largest institutes, collaborate on a research project aimed at reducing carbon emissions in sheet metal processing. The de:karb project will establish an open online platform, supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action with a funding of 8.3 million euros. The platform will enable companies to accurately determine the carbon footprint of specific components, facilitating sustainable practices.

As digitalization plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate impact, TRUMPF, a leading supplier of digitally networked production systems, is committed to making sheet metal processing more sustainable alongside project partners. The project, which commenced in June and will continue for three years, focuses on providing companies with an accessible online platform to identify measures at various production stages that can yield significant reductions in carbon emissions.

By integrating machine and production data, the project aims to quantify the impact of sustainability measures, such as optimizing material utilization and reducing unnecessary shipments. The project consortium leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to optimize the entire value chain and implement carbon emission cuts.

Furthermore, the project will concentrate on enhancing production scheduling by utilizing AI to incorporate ecological considerations. This includes scheduling energy-intensive steps during periods of maximum renewable energy availability. thyssenkrupp Materials Services will coordinate material flows, value streams, and data streams through a digital platform, ensuring full traceability and standardized connectivity.

The de:karb project addresses the growing importance of ecological footprints in manufacturing, responding to changing customer demands and increasing competitiveness. The consortium includes additional partners such as AEC and SES-Ingenieure management consultancies, Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW), AI start-up Nash, and sheet metal processor H.P. Kaysser.

About thyssenkrupp Materials Services:
thyssenkrupp Materials Services is the largest mill-independent materials distributor and service provider in the Western world, offering a wide range of services in over 30 countries. The company focuses on “Materials as a Service” and aims to operate on a climate-neutral basis by 2030.

About TRUMPF:
TRUMPF is a leading high-tech company specializing in manufacturing solutions, including machine tools and laser technology. With over 70 subsidiaries worldwide, TRUMPF is a market leader in sheet metal processing and industrial lasers.

About Fraunhofer IPA:
Fraunhofer IPA, part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, is a renowned institute focusing on organizational and technological aspects of production. With interdisciplinary research, they aim to achieve sustainable and personalized product manufacturing in various industries.

Media contacts:

thyssenkrupp Materials Services
Lars Bank
Head of Communications Segment Materials Services
+49 (201) 844-534416
lars.bank@thyssenkrupp-materials.com

TRUMPF
Ramona Hönl
Spokesperson Additive Manufacturing, Group Communications
+49 7156 303-31251
ramona.Hoenl@trumpf.com

Fraunhofer IPA
Dr. Karin Röhricht
Editor in the robotics department
+49 711 970-3874
karin.roehricht@ipa.fraunhofer.de

SOURCE: thyssenkrupp