R&D

Continuous Innovation: Driving the Future


PTScience nurtures a strong engagement in research and development (R&D), constantly investing in leading-edge projects pursuing the enhancement of quality of life and protecting the environment.
PTScience work is at the leading edge in sustainable solutions development, to give answers to global challenges.
 

R&D PROJECTS

Green Solutions

Green solutions ?: products developed through ‘green chemistry’

Green solutions ? project was the at the origin of PTSCience company. Its essence is the development of the concept of ‘Green Chemistry’ as a premise in the development and commercialization of innovative and patentable products. Initially created to operate in the optical industry, the company evolved and spread its work across various industrial sectors, including services and products in the area of biotechnology, bioplastics, and environmental sustainability. Consequently, the company expanded its investment into innovative research, with the aim of addressing environmental challenges and the concept of circular economy, through “green” solutions.   Its purpose includes: Providing qualified human resources, to carry out the companies work Implement scientific research to satisfy demands from industries, businesses and society;  Developing and maturing green, ecological, and sustainable services and products;
Growing the promotion of innovation and competitiveness within the local business ecosystem; Making headway to the concept of circular economy and sustainable development; Expand the local economy, while promoting heterogeneity and contributing to social cohesion.

The Package of the Future

Embalagem do Futuro®: Sustainable Packaging Solutions

This innovative project aims to produce and commercialize more ecological, digital, and inclusive packaging solutions globally. The Future of Packaging® is dedicated to developing new products, services, and production lines for manufacturing sustainable packaging.  This includes everything from raw materials to product design, engineering, molds and tools, processing and manufacturing, information systems and digital transition, social marketing, collection, and recycling. The Future of Packaging project has 79 members committed to revolutionizing the Portuguese business landscape in the packaging sector.  Led by Vangest - Engenharia Financeira e Gestão S.A., the project brings together entities that collaborate in all crucial stages of the innovation cycle, from R&D to large-scale commercialization in the global market.   PPS12 – Bgreen2Pack- New premium packaging from natural origin with incorporated fragrances
In the scope of PPS12 PTScience embraces the production of premium cosmetic packages based in biopolymers and natural fragrances, using advanced injection techniques, integrating RFID technologies to assure the products authenticity warranty.    The expected outputs of the project are:  Develop new natural-based materials; Develop RFID technology for integration into packaging for authenticity warranty Optimize processes and advanced injection techniques; Design natural origin cosmetic products.   Unique Selling Points: Biodegradable cosmetic packaging Inclusive packaging Naturally sourced materials Repurposing of natural resources Eco-friendly refills Naturally derived cosmetics 
Promising Materials PHA and PBS   Among the various biomaterials with great potential for applications in several industries, PHA and PBS stand out. Studies and tests already carried out confirm the efficacy and performance of these biopolymers, which have aroused growing interest in the scientific community for promising future applications. Advantages: Biocompatibility: Prioritizing biocompatibility increases the safety and quality of healthcare. It allows for the manufacturing of medical devices that function without causing adverse reactions that can compromise patient health. Biodegradability: Easily degradable materials deteriorate rapidly when discarded. Diversity of Applications: Diverse industrial applications, including the medical and health area. Performance: Promising mechanical and physicochemical properties similar to materials made from fossil sources.      

INOV.AM

INOV.AM: Innovation in Additive Manufacturing

The INOV.AM project - Innovation in Additive Manufacturing emerges to face the urgent need to propell scientific and technological innovation in the Portuguese industry, with the goal to revolutionize and push forward Portugal's potential and competitiveness in the global market.    Aiming to reinforce the development and propagation of knowledge, technologies, and materials for additive manufacturing (AM), INOV.AM focus is to incorporate the unique characteristics of AM in traditional production technologies. The ultimate goal is to improve the efficiency and flexibility of processes, working towards the creation of high-quality, value-added customized products.   The project is composed by the Mobilizing Agendas for Business Innovation and involves a consortium of 77 entities, 12 of which are non-business organizations and 65 are business entities, including non-SMEs. The INOV.AM consortium is led by Erofio S.A., a pioneer in the use of metal additive manufacturing in Portugal and with substantial experience in innovative projects through its presence and leadership.  In addition, INOV.AM has the contribution of the University of Minho, for its recognized experience in leading projects in collaboration with Industry.   A wide range of competencies contribute to this initiative, offering an holistic and complementary vision based on four major areas of intervention: Development of AM Production (new equipment improvement through existing technologies or introducing new technologies); Innovation in Additive Manufacturing; Development of Advanced Automation and Control Software aiming the optimization of AM equipment and overall production process effectiveness; Human Resources Training (such as Design for AM, production processes, testing, finishing, and materials for AM).  Website https://inov.am/pt/ 
The role of PTSCience in INOV.AM
PTScience is involved in four sub-projects within this project: WP09-Nonplanar DED WP15-OrthoScan 3D  WP20-Conformal Wood WP22-Cyber Physical Systems and Digitalization
WP09_NONPLANAR DED 
The use of Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes, such as DED and SLM, aims to create optimized components, especially for molds, with amorphous materials and metamaterials. This project studies the use of these processes to be more efficient in building parts, introducing alternative mechanical properties.   Non-planar deposition strategies are developed to improve part quality and reduce post-processing. The objective is to build highly optimized molds, reducing time and energy costs, and improving the final quality of parts. Each AM technique will contribute to the development of a part of the project.

In essence, the project is exploring new ways to 3D print molds using advanced materials and techniques so that the manufacturing process becomes more efficient and effective.

The challenge for PTScience in this Workpage is to design a "case study" for corrective or magnifying ophthalmic lens made from a more sustainable, environmentally friendly bio-based material, PLA (polylactic acid).   WP15_ORTHOSCAN 3D  
WP15 project, called OrthoScan3D, aims to develop a device for producing customized orthoses, medical devices to improve performance in people with disabilities.  The integration of direct digital manufacturing technologies allows for topological optimization, weight and thickness reduction, and increased comfort.  The application of these technologies in the Portuguese health sector is limited, but its efficient integration can make the benefits accessible to patients.    The objective is to develop a complete system to digitize the body and limbs, design customized medical devices, and produce them with suitable materials. Market assessment models will be prepared to facilitate market penetration.   The main objectives of OrthoScan 3D focus on: Developing an additive manufacturing equipment with a digitization system for the production of orthoses Developing control software for equipment Developing a case study (Orthosis) of the technology's capabilities Developing a case study (wheelchair) for people with cerebral palsy. Expected Results: 1 Hybrid manufacturing system (deposition + machining) together with a "one-shot" digitization system for the body/limbs. 1 Generic control system for the digitization system.   PTScience's activity in this WP is focused on selecting plastic-based biomaterials and developing solutions for coatings with possible antibacterial functionality (among others) biological-based materials for the design of orthoses.   video: https://youtu.be/4sdlG_Bf11A?si=D4O161C3Qm3TQ6HI   WP20-Conformal Wood
The project aims to develop complex components with wood and cork fibers, integrating a regulated deposition system in printing, using innovative molding techniques, integrated into a work cell with robotic systems. Development includes: Cartesian axis systems for the deposition of thermoplastic with pine and eucalyptus fibers, as well as equipment for processing cork composites, including extrusion manufacturing and additive manufacturing in layers of granules coated with thermoplastic materials. The general challenges involve the development of materials, the integration of equipment, software to generate deposition paths, and a continuous training program. PTScience's mission in this project is to develop Bio-based binders, among others, for cork aggregates and wood tapes. Expected results: Wood and cork-based raw materials for AM. Bio-based binders, among others, for cork aggregates and wood tapes. Large-scale manufacturing cell for the deposition of wood tapes for the production of panels, extrusion of thermoplastics with wood and cork fibers.   WP22-Cyber-Physical Systems and Digitalization
Cyber Physical Systems and Digitalization, addresses the control of production processes, especially in additive manufacturing, aiming to ensure quality and proper parameterization.    nterconnectivity between software, equipment, and management systems is crucial. The project aims to digitize processes, interlinking manufacturing, design, co-creation, monitoring, and control.    A digital platform will be developed for monitoring additive manufacturing, connecting scientific solutions to business challenges through private financing models launching the concept of Science Shares®.  General project objectives: Development of software applied to the control of additive manufacturing processes Development of platforms for commercializing products resulting from the processes explored within INOV.AM Development of file management systems for additive manufacturing; Valorization of technologies developed within INOV.AM Providing support, through software development, to the various projects aggregated in INOV.AM.  Expected results: Software for data processing, slicing, and control Software for augmented reality to support processes and training Cybersecurity systems E-commerce platform and application testing Applications/web for knowledge valorization - Science Shares® Gateways and communication protocols    

NABIA

New Approach to Biorremediation using Algae

Cultivating a Sustainable and Innovative Future The NABIA project is a pioneering entrerprise, with the ambicious goal of implementing circular economy processes through algal biotechnology. The goal is to develop sustainable, premium products, such as bioplastics by cultivating microalgae, using the biomass resulting from wastewater treatment and simultaneously purifying wastewater.  In addition, Nabia has the ambition of reducing human exposure to contaminants, in drinking water, increasing water quality and overall well-being.    Supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology, NABIA joins a multidisciplinary team from various entities and institutions that include the University of Coimbra.  Beyond research, NABIA is dedicated to promote awareness and educating the public about the importance of sustainable water treatment and the consumption of eco-friendly products.   Key Objectives: Wastewater Treatment: Utilizing microalgae to remove pollutants and contaminants from wastewater, safeguarding water resources. Bioproduct Development: Transforming algal biomass into high-value products, like bioplastics and biofuels, boosting circular economy. Technological Innovation: Give birth to advanced technologies, like the SAM6.0® photobioreactor, to optimize algal biomass production and reduce costs.   Impact and Benefits: Sustainability: Reducing carbon footprint by promoting circular economy, and preserving natural resources. Innovation: expanding to novel technologies and products that can boost the biotech sector. Social Impact: Improving water quality, creating jobs, and contributing to the development of local communities.   The NABIA project presents unique opportunities for: Scientists: Joining forces around cutting-edge research and developing new applications for microalgal biotechnology. Investors: promoting the investment in a sector with high growth potential and financial returns. Industries: Using sustainable and innovative solutions for their production processes. Society: Providing a cleaner and more sustainable future.   By combining science, technology, and entrepreneurship, the NABIA project is shaping the future of the bioeconomy and inspiring a new generation of sustainable solutions.  

Projects Technical Data

Green Solutions

The Package of the Future

INOV.AM

Funding