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Solving Scale-up challenges of Smart Materials in the Manufacturing Industry 

Manufacturing NextMaterials

The Manufacturing NextMaterials (MNM) project promotes and encourages the upscaling of prototypes to the production stage of parts and components with smart and sustainable properties. Think lightweight car parts and battery materials. The aim is to give innovative SMEs the necessary competences to bridge the gap between prototype and market.&nbsp; The project consists of three Lighthouse-pilot projects, workshops, trainings and matchmaking sessions as well as an open call to support the SMEs in the Dutch-German border region. The project runs from 2024 to 2027 and is supported by the Interreg VI program Germany-Netherlands.&nbsp;

Subsidy for SMEs in the Dutch-German border region

Manufacturing Thermoplastic Composites

Manufacturing Advanced Battery Systems

Distributed Additive Manufacturing

Open Call Scale-Up projects

Workshops & Matchmaking

Closing the gap between prototypes and the market

The map below shows all approved scale-up projects within Manufacturing NextMaterials (MNM). Behind each (clickable) icon is an SME from the Dutch-German border region that is working on scaling up a prototype to a market-ready application.From lightweight car parts to battery technology, these companies are already taking the first steps towards the smart and sustainable products of tomorrow. MNM supports them with knowledge, resources and collaboration, so that innovative materials find their way into production and make an impact on society.The map is constantly growing with new projects that contribute to a future-proof and smart Euregio. Click, discover and be inspired.

Next Thermoplastic Composite Manufacturing Solutions

Thermoplastic composites as structural and lightweight materials contribute to the reduction of energy consumption for lightweight (electric) mobility and serve as corrosion-resistant heat exchanger plates for hydrogen systems. In recent years, SMEs in the programme area have developed several of these materials. However, large-scale production is lacking because it lacks the resources and lack the expertise to invest in scale-up facilities.Within this Lighthouse pilot project, Next TPC Manufacturing Solutions (next TPMS), a pilot line will be installed and used for the development of production solutions for the production of the above-mentioned components. The composite materials to be used are preferably circular and/or biobased.The pilo-project aims to set up the following facilities:<ul><li>Large production press for large TPC materials and components for lightweight mobility and renewable energy (up to 1.2 x 2.8 m)</li><li>Moulds that use 3D metal printed materials to reduce costs and lower energy consumption.</li><li>Materials laboratory for customization and refinement of TPC materials, including laboratory press and equipment for testing materials.</li><li>An integrated automated TPC fabrication cell for "Automated Component Manufacturing".&nbsp;</li></ul>Due to the open nature of this center, many companies can make use of this pilot plant for their own upscaling.&nbsp;OrganisationCATO Composites (CATO) is the project leader of this Lighthouse pilot-project. Saxion's TPAC contributes as project partner. This Lighthouse pilot-project is linked to the other two: the TPC production process to be developed will be used for battery housings (lighthouse 2) and includes the use of 3D printed metal inserts (lighthouse 3). CATO and RTC, University of Duisburg Essen will be involved in the subject of cost-effective forming tools using using 3D (metal) printing. The Zentrum fuer Brennstoffzellentechnik, ZBT participates in the topic of TPC Heat Exchanger Plates.

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Manufacturing Solutions using NextMaterials in Advanced Battery Systems 

According to a study from the Fraunhofer Institute ISI the European battery production capacity should increase tenfold from 124 giga watt hours tot 1,5 terawatt hours by 2020. To reach this goal there is a need for a next generation of smart and sustainable materials.A major challenge lies in scaling up battery innovations from prototyping to complete production: e.g. safety, processing requirements of specific battery materials and integration with cases.The aim is a permanent collaboration between innovation centres on both sides of the border to scale up of the production of next-generation battery systems using innovative materials. To this end, the partners will exchange existing methods and protocols and develop new German-Dutch upscaling programs.The pilot lines and laboratories required for this are currently being developed at the Fraunhofer FFB, Westphalian Wilhelms-Universität in Münster (WWUM) and the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Twente (FIP). These infrastructures are already being financed. The Lighthouse partners focus on the development of a joint service portfolio in which their know how and pilotlines are combined and cross-border available&nbsp;OrganisationFFB in Münster shall tranfer new battery concepts and production technologies (TRL 5 – 6) to serial production (TRL8 -9). &nbsp;This way FFB creates the conditions for the reproducible scaling up of innovations at the level of the product (battery cell) and the process (factory technology).&nbsp; With the MEET battery research center at its core, WWUM will work on topics ranging from materials research, cell design, cell analysis, and molecular level characterization to life cycle analysis and supply chain research.&nbsp; FIP in Enschede focuses on the challenges of production. The activities are focused on developing innovative solutions around Manufacturing Systems, Digital Twinning, Computer-Aided Engineering in Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, AI in Manufacturing and flexible assembly of battery modules and packs.&nbsp; FFB and WWUM bring their knowledge of technical requirements of battery cells to their production and assembly activities at FIP. There is a strong link with lighthouse 1, whose partners are testing composite batteries. &nbsp;

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Distributed Additive Manufacturing 

Global supply chains have proven to be very vulnerable in global crisis situations. Together with increased energy and transport costs, this is forcing SMEs to adopt innovative and efficient approaches to keep production in Europe. Additive Manufacturing (AM, d.w.z. 3D-printing) offers such an approach. &nbsp;However, AM processes require a high degree of specific process knowledge. 3D printing is already used in 42% of large German companies, but only 4% of small businesses use this technology. A report by the Büro für Technikfolgenabschätzung beim Deutschen Bundestag therefore formulates a series of necessary actions, including the establishment of independent facilities for testing various AM processes. This Lighthouse pilot project focuses on this.The aim of this Lighthouse Project is to set up a cross-border collaboration with partners CATO and TPAC to help SMEs find suitable applications for decentralized AM processing of the following components: spare parts, new metal bipolar plates for e.g. fuel cells and molds for composite test production. Such cooperation requires the partners to exchange existing methodologies and protocols and develop joint Dutch-German Scale-up programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;OrganisationInitiator in this pilotproject is the Rapid Technology Centre of the University of Duisburg-Essen (RTC). &nbsp;The RTC coordinates and manages this project. RTC defines the technical infrastructure of the 3D-lab for industrial AM processes and for finding and testing material applications. These should be available to SMEs in the sub-projects in the open part of the project at the RTC. RTC explicitly focuses on the use and development of AM processes for the production of these components. &nbsp;CATO &amp; TPACThese partners bring their expertise to the table in composite structures that require 3D printed inserts and other fasteners. In addition, the possibilities of additive manufacturing for the production of innovative and high-quality tools for injection molding or pressing must be developed. &nbsp;ZBT&nbsp;In consultation with Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen Technik GmbH (ZBT), the RTC will carry out AM testing of new metal bipolar plates for fuel cells and the fabrication of titanium structures for PEM electrolysers. &nbsp;

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Global supply chains have proven to be very vulnerable in global crisis situations. Together with increased energy and transport costs, this is forcing SMEs to adopt innovative and efficient approaches to keep production in Europe. Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers such an approach.&nbsp; However, AM processes require a high degree of specific process knowledge. 3D printing is already used in 42% of large German companies, but only 4% of small businesses use this technology. A report by the Büro für Technikfolgenabschätzung beim Deutschen Bundestag therefore formulates a series of necessary actions, including the establishment of independent facilities for testing various AM processes. This Lighthouse pilot project focuses on this.&nbsp; The aim of this Lighthouse Project is to set up a cross-border collaboration with partners CATO and TPAC to help SMEs find suitable applications for decentralized AM processing of the following components: spare parts, new metal bipolar plates for e.g. fuel cells and molds for composite test production. Such cooperation requires the partners to exchange existing methodologies and protocols and develop joint Dutch-German Scale-up programmes.Organisation Initiator in this pilotproject is the Rapid Technology Centre of the University of Duisburg-Essen (RTC). The RTC coordinates and manages this project. RTC defines the technical infrastructure of the 3D-lab for industrial AM processes and for finding and testing material applications. These should be available to SMEs in the sub-projects in the open part of the project at the RTC. RTC explicitly focuses on the use and development of AM processes for the production of these components. CATO &amp; TPAC These partners bring their expertise to the table in composite structures that require 3D printed inserts and other fasteners. In addition, the possibilities of additive manufacturing for the production of innovative and high-quality tools for injection molding or pressing must be developed. ZBT&nbsp; In consultation with Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen Technik GmbH (ZBT), the RTC will carry out AM testing of new metal bipolar plates for fuel cells and the fabrication of titanium structures for PEM electrolysers. &nbsp;

Compose-it 3D

Compose-it 3D is the first scale-up project that started within the Manufacturing NextMaterials programme (MNM).In a cross-border collaboration, Opiliones B.V. and 3D-Druck Bognar &nbsp;will work together on the development of 3D printing technology and materials.Composite granules for advanced 3D printers The aim of the scale-up project is to develop three types of composite granules, which will be used as raw materials for Opiliones' advanced granular 3D printers. These materials are suitable for printing engineering and structural parts for machinery and household appliances. An important step is the further development of the Opiliones Metal Granulate 3DPrinter, which will be adapted to process the new composite granulate. This should pave the way for more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable production with 3D printing. The first results are expected mid 2025.Dutch and German expertise matched&nbsp; Opiliones B.V. has proven to be an innovator in the development, production and sale of large-scale ‘Delta’ FDM 3D printers. Thanks to their unique printing platform, the Dutch company has made significant technological advances, making it possible to efficiently print materials such as PA composite, concrete and metal in addition to plastics. This makes Opiliones the specialist in scalable FDM 3D printing solutions.German firm 3D-Druck Bognar, founded by engineer Lars Bognar, brings extensive expertise in 3D printing materials to the project. With more than a decade of experience, gained at Ford Motor Company among others, Bognar focuses on developing innovative materials that take 3D printing to the next level. His expertise in additive manufacturing and materials science makes 3D-Druck Bognar the ideal partner in this project.&nbsp;

MNM deelproject

Design innovation of unique 3D metal printed catalytic reactors  with computational fluid dynamics.

Design innovation of unique 3D metal printed catalytic reactors with computational fluid dynamics is a project in which the Dutch Addcat and the German Femto GmbH work together with extra support of the University of Duisburg-Essen.Project goalThe project goal is to improve the efficiency of 3D-printed catalysts, e.g. for air purification, by 50% based on new designs developed through advanced simulations. Improved technical efficiency will increase profitability and support the transition from prototypes to production parts.&nbsp;Project activitiesThe activities include the improvement of the reactor design in combination with manufacturability (DfAM) and material selection (increased thermal conductivity). In addition, the design improvements developed will be investigated using CFD analyses. The design is optimized both for the catalytic process and for manufacturability (specifically for 3D printing technology). Materials are adapted, parts are printed, tested and improved. This cross-border collaboration between Germany (FEMTO, UDE) and the Netherlands (AddCat) will leverage the strengths of both regions in technology and (additive) manufacturing, fostering innovation and economic growth in the border area. By combining expertise from AddCat with Femto and UDE the gap between the current prototype status (TRL6) and test production (TRL 8) can be bridged leading to increased profitability. This cooperation can strengthen the technological ecosystem in the border region, and contribute to sustainable economic development.&nbsp;Project partnersThis project consists of the three partners AddCat, the university of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) (also partner in the MNM project) and FEMTO.&nbsp;AddCat is an innovative start-up specializing in air purification through catalytic oxidation using its products to reduce industrial emissions in markets such as the chemical industry, food processing and solvents (e.g. paint spraying of cars on large scale). By integrating oxidation catalysts into 3D-printed metal structures, AddCat creates advanced reactor technologies designed for effective air purification. With its expertise in both technical and chemical processes, AddCat focuses on developing cutting-edge 3D-printed catalytic reactors for industrial applications.&nbsp;The Chair of Manufacturing Technology at the University of Duisburg-Essen is involved in the research on metal and polymer additive manufacturing. The scientific expertise of the chair includes the qualification and mechanical analysis of new materials for the PBF-LB/M process, Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and the postprocessing of PBF-LB/M parts. In addition to that the chair is also committed to the area of standardization, the founding of start-ups or the training and further education.&nbsp;FEMTO provides comprehensive solutions for complex computer-aided engineering (CAE) through consultancy, software, training, technical support, and R&amp;D. With a team of expert engineers specializing in structural, thermal, and flow (CFD) simulations, as well as systems engineering, Femto offers in-depth analysis, validation, and optimization throughout the product development process.

Dual-Arm-Robot (DARe)

The Dual-Arm-Robot project brings together the complementary expertise of 3-D. services (brandname – RX Robotics) and SENOVI, two companies that specialize in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.&nbsp;3D Services focuses on robot-aided additive manufacturing, utilizing industrial robots and advanced software for real-time collaboration in large-scale 3D printing. Their expertise in processing materials like metals and plastics is crucial for developing high-performance, scalable, and precise 3D printing systems, particularly in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy. 3D Services contributes to the Dual Arm-Robot project by ensuring multi-robot coordination and material processing for synchronized additive and subtractive manufacturing.&nbsp;SENOVI, on the other hand, is an expert in advanced fabrication technologies, specializing in 3D printing for metals, composites, and engineering plastics. SENOVI's pellet-based 3D printing method allows for versatile material usage, and their development of the DAP3D secure platform protects intellectual property while ensuring the reliable delivery of 3D-printed parts. In this project, SENOVI’s expertise in secure digital platforms and multi-material 3D printing will play a pivotal role, especially in the integration of composite materials into the manufacturing process.&nbsp;The project's core objective is to develop a novel Dual-Arm-Robot solution that combines additive and subtractive manufacturing of composite materials, known for their high strength and lightweight properties. The Dual-Arm-Robot will be capable of printing and machining complex parts simultaneously, particularly for industries demanding precision and durability, such as aerospace and energy systems. One key aim is to manufacture a part of a robot arm made from composite materials like glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic (GFRP), designed for additive manufacturing with hollow structures and lattice designs, reducing weight without compromising strength.&nbsp;This cross-border project fosters innovation and economic growth in the Germany-Netherlands border region, enhancing local industries' capabilities and reducing dependency on global supply chains. By bringing together robotics, materials science, and manufacturing expertise from both sides of the border, the project strengthens the regional industrial ecosystem and accelerates the adoption of advanced, sustainable manufacturing technologies. In addition to technological innovation, the project’s business model offers a cost-effective solution for companies hesitant to invest heavily in automation. This model allows businesses, especially SMEs, to adopt automation flexibly, paying only for the robot jobs executed. This not only reduces financial risks but also promotes the widespread adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the region.&nbsp;

Scaling hydrofoil production

New funding fuels breakthroughs in sustainable and smart manufacturingManufacturing NextMaterials (MNM) is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation. Two new cross-border projects have officially been awarded funding, each accelerating the shift toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable production of high-performance components. Both initiatives exemplify the program’s mission: empowering SMEs to scale up from prototypes to test production using smart materials and flexible technologies.Scaling hydrofoil productionThe Dutch-German collaboration between <a href="https://qcde.eu/">Qconcepts Design &amp; Engineering</a> (Doetinchem, NL) and <a href="https://www.vonderlinden.de/">M.U.H. von der Linden GmbH</a> (Wesel, DE) aims to revolutionize the hydrofoil market. By tripling production capacity and increasing the all-up craft weight from 175 kg to 600 kg, the consortium is opening the door to new markets across leisure, commercial, and specialized transport. The partners will build on proven technologies from the Flo1 platform, ensuring a low-risk, cost-efficient path to scalability.Qconcepts brings extensive expertise in lightweight, composite maritime components, while Von der Linden contributes cutting-edge composite materials and sustainable processes. Their combined knowledge strengthens the Dutch-German innovation ecosystem and reinforces hydrofoil technology as a viable solution for sustainable mobility.Cross-border innovation, backed by EuropeThese projects are part of the Manufacturing NextMaterials initiative, a key component of the Interreg VI Deutschland-Nederland program. The initiative is co-financed by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, MWIKE NRW, MB Niedersachsen, and the provinces of Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslân, Gelderland, Groningen, Noord-Brabant, and Overijssel.Together, we’re scaling innovation, boosting SME competitiveness, and building a smarter, greener manufacturing future.

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Additive manufacturing for demanding industries

New funding fuels breakthroughs in sustainable and smart manufacturingManufacturing NextMaterials (MNM) is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation. Two new cross-border projects have officially been awarded funding, each accelerating the shift toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable production of high-performance components. Both initiatives exemplify the program’s mission: empowering SMEs to scale up from prototypes to test production using smart materials and flexible technologies.Additive manufacturing for demanding industriesA second MNM-supported project brings together <a href="https://www.douna.nl/">DOUNA</a> (NL) and <a href="https://www.fh-muenster.de/en/">FH Münster </a>(DE) to pioneer additive manufacturing (AM) with metallic components for high-requirement sectors like the oil and gas industry. While AM is already commonplace in aerospace and automotive applications, it remains underutilized in niche markets with strict material and performance demands. This project aims to change that.FH Münster will lead on design and metal printing, while DOUNA focuses on post-processing and industrial integration. Together, they will develop a complete AM process chain tailored to a new material type (e.g., 1.0566), delivering high-strength, lightweight demonstrator parts. The collaboration promises to enhance competitiveness and open new markets through sustainable implementation of AM technologies.Cross-border innovation, backed by EuropeThese projects are part of the Manufacturing NextMaterials initiative, a key component of the Interreg VI Deutschland-Nederland program. The initiative is co-financed by the European Union, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, MWIKE NRW, MB Niedersachsen, and the provinces of Drenthe, Flevoland, Fryslân, Gelderland, Groningen, Noord-Brabant, and Overijssel.Together, we’re scaling innovation, boosting SME competitiveness, and building a smarter, greener manufacturing future.

Additive manufacturing van antenne voor sonderingsraket

The project aims to transition a flight-proven patch antenna design—originally handmade&nbsp; for use on sounding rockets into a design suitable for scalable production using additive&nbsp; manufacturing (AM). This antenna is part of a radio interferometry system used to track and&nbsp; localize rockets in flight. While developed for sounding rocket missions, the underlying&nbsp; technology has potential applications and in other fields and vehicles within the aerospace sector. Spacecific will focus on adapting the existing antenna design to meet the technical&nbsp; requirements and constraints of additive manufacturing processes. This includes&nbsp; redesigning elements of the antenna to account for AM-specific tolerances and structural&nbsp; properties, without compromising RF performance.&nbsp; The Aviation AM (AAMC) will focus on developing a reproducible and industrial-grade AM&nbsp; production route for the antenna components. This includes design-for-AM consultation,&nbsp; selection and qualification of high-performance polymers (e.g., PEKK, PEEK), and the&nbsp; development of integrated metallization strategies such as electroplating or selective&nbsp; coating. &nbsp;Key design questions will be investigated in this process:<ul><li>Design optimizations required for AM: The original antenna was manually built&nbsp; and mounted on a curved rocket fuselage. Transitioning to AM requires revisiting&nbsp; shape, thickness, and internal structure to ensure both manufacturability and&nbsp; electromagnetic functionality.</li><li>Metallization of plastic: The antenna operates on a stack-up consisting of&nbsp; conductive and non-conductive layers. This must be integrated in the manufacturing&nbsp; process.</li><li>Mounting and structural resilience: The antenna must be able to withstand the&nbsp; mechanical stresses of rocket flight, including vibration, aerodynamic loading,&nbsp; operating temperature range. Mounting strategies and mechanical reinforcements&nbsp; will be designed, simulated and validated accordingly.</li><li>Interfacing with RF systems: The antenna must integrate connect to onboard&nbsp; transceivers. This involves evaluating methods to connect the RF signal to the&nbsp; antenna while also being suited for the rocket space constraints</li><li>Test flight: The antenna will be tested on a sounding rocket to validate the&nbsp; production method.</li></ul>This subproject has a strong cross-border character, bringing together complementary&nbsp; expertise from the Dutch and German partners. The Dutch partner contributes its&nbsp; knowledge of RF systems and aerospace antenna design, while the German partner offers&nbsp; advanced knowledge in additive manufacturing techniques, including material processing&nbsp; and fabrication workflows. This cooperation addresses a shared technological challenge and boosts innovation in the&nbsp; border region. By combining RF engineering with advanced AM, it enables the development&nbsp; of high-performance, flight-proven, and easily adaptable antenna designs. This positions&nbsp; SMEs to enter the growing space and aerospace market, strengthening regional&nbsp; competitiveness and driving cross-border high-tech manufacturing. &nbsp;

Additive manufacturing of Sounding rocket antenna

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The project aims to transition a flight-proven patch antenna design—originally handmade&nbsp; for use on sounding rockets into a design suitable for scalable production using additive&nbsp; manufacturing (AM). This antenna is part of a radio interferometry system used to track and&nbsp; localize rockets in flight. While developed for sounding rocket missions, the underlying&nbsp; technology has potential applications and in other fields and vehicles within the aerospace sector. Spacecific will focus on adapting the existing antenna design to meet the technical&nbsp; requirements and constraints of additive manufacturing processes. This includes&nbsp; redesigning elements of the antenna to account for AM-specific tolerances and structural&nbsp; properties, without compromising RF performance.&nbsp; The Aviation AM (AAMC) will focus on developing a reproducible and industrial-grade AM&nbsp; production route for the antenna components. This includes design-for-AM consultation,&nbsp; selection and qualification of high-performance polymers (e.g., PEKK, PEEK), and the&nbsp; development of integrated metallization strategies such as electroplating or selective&nbsp; coating. &nbsp;Key design questions will be investigated in this process:<ul><li>Design optimizations required for AM: The original antenna was manually built&nbsp; and mounted on a curved rocket fuselage. Transitioning to AM requires revisiting&nbsp; shape, thickness, and internal structure to ensure both manufacturability and&nbsp; electromagnetic functionality.</li><li>Metallization of plastic: The antenna operates on a stack-up consisting of&nbsp; conductive and non-conductive layers. This must be integrated in the manufacturing&nbsp; process.</li><li>Mounting and structural resilience: The antenna must be able to withstand the&nbsp; mechanical stresses of rocket flight, including vibration, aerodynamic loading,&nbsp; operating temperature range. Mounting strategies and mechanical reinforcements&nbsp; will be designed, simulated and validated accordingly.</li><li>Interfacing with RF systems: The antenna must integrate connect to onboard&nbsp; transceivers. This involves evaluating methods to connect the RF signal to the&nbsp; antenna while also being suited for the rocket space constraints</li><li>Test flight: The antenna will be tested on a sounding rocket to validate the&nbsp; production method.</li></ul>This subproject has a strong cross-border character, bringing together complementary&nbsp; expertise from the Dutch and German partners. The Dutch partner contributes its&nbsp; knowledge of RF systems and aerospace antenna design, while the German partner offers&nbsp; advanced knowledge in additive manufacturing techniques, including material processing&nbsp; and fabrication workflows. This cooperation addresses a shared technological challenge and boosts innovation in the&nbsp; border region. By combining RF engineering with advanced AM, it enables the development&nbsp; of high-performance, flight-proven, and easily adaptable antenna designs. This positions&nbsp; SMEs to enter the growing space and aerospace market, strengthening regional&nbsp; competitiveness and driving cross-border high-tech manufacturing.

Intelligent Bike manufacturing

<a href="https://nijland.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Nijland Cycling BV</a>, <a href="https://www.dnl-contact.de/nl/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">DNL-contact GmbH &amp; Co. KG</a> and <a href="https://www.fh-muenster.de/de/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">FH Münster</a> are jointly developing an innovative, decentralized production method for robust bikes. The core of the project lies in the design, testing, and scaling of 3D-printed bracket connectors that enable frame assembly without welding. These brackets allow modular frames to be constructed using standard steel tubes, significantly reducing production complexity and cost.To ensure technical viability and safety, the project prioritizes proven, durable materials in the bracket production process. The innovation lies in the bracket system itself — designed for strength, precision, and adaptability — which replaces traditional welding and opens the door to distributed manufacturing.A future step after the successful ending of the project is the potential establishment of a joint cross border entity of the two SMEs once the modular bracket system has reached a commercially viable stage. This envisaged entity would commercialize the modular bracket system and support small-scale, local frame production using shared digital models and localized 3D printing. Such a model could strengthen regional supply chains, reduce emissions, and lower entry barriers for small workshops and social enterprises.The project also integrates FH Münster (Department of Mechanical Engineering) as a technical partner, responsible for simulation, strength testing, and certification preparation. Their expertise ensures that the bracket system meets applicable safety and performance standards. In parallel, DNL-contact GmbH &amp; Co. KG leads the material development and selection process, coordinating with FH Münster on laboratory testing and translating technical results into design and production requirements together with Nijland Cycling. &nbsp; &nbsp;Through a modular, scalable design, a wide variety of (cargo) bikes and bikes for disabled persons can be assembled from a shared base of components — adaptable to different use cases, such as urban logistics or mobility in rural areas. The decentralized model reduces transport costs and emissions and allows for regional value creation through employment and upskilling.This approach contributes to circular design principles, supports climate goals, and builds resilience in regional bike manufacturing — offering a replicable model for cross-border innovation.

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Projectmap MNM

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MNM is being implemented within the framework of the <a href="https://deutschland-nederland.eu/nl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Interreg VI-program Deutschland-Nederland</a> and is co-financed by the European Union, the MWIKE NRW, the Niedersächsische Staatskanzlei, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland and Noord Brabant.&nbsp;