Objective
DERMAP is an in-field training program leading industrial designers towards a more responsible materials selection process (MSP). Currently, materials are selected with no integration between performance, supply risks and sustainability requirements. DERMAP wants to fill this gap by:
- Developing pilot training instruments for MSP based on CRM issues
- Carrying out courses to implement them
- Supporting & monitoring selected industrial companies
The solution (technology)
Most materials are drawn from the minerals of the earth’s land masses and oceans. The resource base from which they are drawn is large, but it is not infinite. Its magnitude is not easy to estimate so that at any point in time, only a fraction of it, the reserve, is established as accessible and economically viable. Market forces, when they operate properly, ensure that reserves remain adequate, keep supply in line with demand, and ensure that prices remain stable and fair. The balance between supply and demand can, however, be disrupted. Depletion of the resource base causes scarcity, driving up prices. Reserves that are localised can become vulnerable to cartel action or cut off by local political unrest. In this scenario, strategies are needed to overcome such incoming problems related to materials supply, classified by governments as ‘strategic’ or ‘critical’.
Materials are today selected in mechanical design with no integration between performance, supply risks and sustainability requirements. Starting from the design process, strategies such as recycling, substitution or material-efficient design must be taken into account. DERMAP Project is aimed at leading industrial designers towards a more responsible materials selection process, taking into account the criticality issues of Raw Materials. During its 2 years of duration, DERMAP will develop pilot training instruments with educational contents for materials selection, based on CRM issues. Courses at industrial level, to implement these tools and to sensitise the designer to CRM related problems, will be carried out. Finally, DERMAP will support and monitor selected industrial companies, which will act as testers of the pilot software tools.
Partnership
- Università degli Studi di Padova (University of Padova), Italy (Lead Partner)
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland
- Consell general de Cambres de Comerc Industria i Navegacio de Catalunya (General Council of the Catalan Chambers of Commerce), Spain
- Consorzio SPRING, Italy
- EnginSoft S.P.A., Italy
- Fundació Eurecat, Spain
- Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa J.m.a. S. Coop. (MGEP), Spain
- Swerea AB, Sweden
- Swerea SWECAST AB, Sweden
- Zanardi Fonderie S.p.A, Italy
For more information, please visit the project website.