This week, we initiated our M39 General Assembly, sharing project updates and aligning on the planning for the next year. With the project now extended by nine months, OPeraTIC will run until December 2026, giving us the time needed to finalise and validate the full system.

Even with the extension, the project is moving full speed ahead. The granite structure required for isolating the OPeraTIC machine from possible vibrations and environmental conditions is now installed at AIMEN’S facilities. The 5-axis system for the OPeraTIC machine will be installed by LASING and delivered in the first half of next year. 

Optical modules are also nearing completion: the DLIP module from Technische Universität Dresden and the DLW module from QiOVA are almost ready to be integrated. Combined with a non-PM fibre from Photonic Tools, they will allow us to channel the full pulse energy of the EdgeWave USP laser into multibeam and interference-based laser processing.

On the digital side, hybrid modelling has made strong progress, supported by enhanced simulation data and a shared experimental dataset. LASEA’s HMI is set to contribute directly to the development of the DSS and our human-centred interface. In parallel, work on zero-defect strategies is advancing through parameter mapping, corrective strategy evaluation, and position-error modelling on a laboratory test rig.

Throughout the meeting, partners also discussed the validation of use cases, sustainability activities, educational training materials, policy impact, technological standardisation, business planning, and communication and dissemination efforts. A big thank-you to all partners for their engagement and contributions — the coming months promise exciting developments for OPeraTIC!