In October the AMRC became one of 11 European partners that formed an alliance to collaborate on a new project, Twin-Control. The project aims to design a new concept for machine tool and machining process simulation.

Twin-Control is a new concept of machine tool simulation because it unifies the different concepts that affect the machining process; combining advanced simulation models and including vital aspects in today's industry, such as maintenance and energy efficiency. In addition, it will allow for the integration of the actual machine state in the models, increasing productivity through model-based control and even assisting with predictive maintenance actions.

In short, machine tool users will be able to use the technology resulting from the Twin-Control project to better control and optimise their processes, thus improving productivity. The results will be validated by two key industries in Europe, the automotive and aerospace sectors and additional demonstrations will be conducted in three leading pilot lines.

The alliance is made up by the following members: IK4-TEKNIKER (coordinator, Spain), the University of Sheffield (UK), Samtech S.A. (Belgium), Technische Universti