Politecnico di Bari

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Arena A – Hall 30 Booth M26 

Results of MICS Additive Manufacturing research projects to consolidate and strengthen Italy’s industrial leadership

Project 6.2 – Development of additive techniques for the repair, regeneration, and life extension of parts and machinery: Hybrid Manufacturing and the development of process chains for component repair based on AM processes, reverse engineering, and conventional (chip removal) technologies.

Fulvio Lavecchia

In line with the principles of zero-defect manufacturing and circular economy, the integration of hybrid technologies enables the development of efficient and sustainable process chains focused on repair, recovery, and functional enhancement of components.
The approach involves an integrated workflow, with in-situ monitoring and corrective or optimization interventions, also allowing the possibility to enhance component functionalities during or after production.
The expertise gained has led to the creation of a prototypical station capable of activating one or more hybrid process chains, supporting the transition towards a smarter and more sustainable manufacturing.

Project 6.3 – Functionalization of structures produced through multi-material 3D printing

Giovanni Stano and Antonio Pavone

Material Extrusion 3D printing enables the production of multi-material polymer components with differentiated mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties, but faces limitations in interfacial adhesion.
This work aims to enhance the functionalization of such structures by optimizing adhesion through a Machine Learning model capable of predicting process parameters, thereby reducing tests and material waste.
The use of custom printing strategies—including gradients between soft and stiff materials and engineered interlocking—improved adhesion by up to 350%, enabling the production of a high-performance bionic hand and monolithically printed sensorized pneumatic actuators, representing a significant advancement in soft robotics.

Project 6.7 – Thermomechanical properties of polylactic acid/olive wood biocomposites for additive manufacturing

Roberto Spina

The growing focus on sustainability has promoted the development of biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), a thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources, biodegradable and biocompatible. However, its limited mechanical and thermal properties restrict its applications.
This study proposes a PLA composite reinforced with olive wood fibers, a natural, abundant, and low-impact material, to enhance its performance and assess its feasibility as a sustainable alternative for industrial applications. Mechanical and thermal characterizations confirm the potential of the composite for engineering uses.

Project 6.8 – WASTELESS/AIMS: AI-based process monitoring and control in additive manufacturing to reduce production waste

Marco Mazzarisi

The widespread adoption of Additive Manufacturing requires intelligent monitoring and control systems to ensure quality and process repeatability.
This project developed AI-based approaches to reduce waste and scraps by integrating data from multiple sensors into the laser deposition process control.
Using Computer Vision and Deep Learning, neural networks analyze the process in real time, detecting anomalies and activating feedback control strategies.
Results demonstrate improved process stability, efficiency, and sustainability in additive manufacturing.

Project 6.9 – MATT: Innovative solutions for multi-material metal printing via Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam

Sabina Luisa Campanelli

Multi-material additive manufacturing enables the production of complex structures with advanced functional properties.
Within the MATT project, Politecnico di Bari developed a low-cost solution for 3D printing multi-material and graded metal components on standard PBF-LB machines. This was made possible through a patented powder divider (IT202200027369A1), which doses and separates multiple materials layer by layer.
The resulting bimetallic prototypes feature robust interfaces, defect-free gradients, and performance exceeding expectations, including enhanced energy absorption and mechanical strength.
The technology is scalable and retrofittable to existing systems, with potential applications in automotive, aerospace, tooling, and biomedical sectors.

Project 6.10 – Technical innovation and new design approaches in the use of ceramic materials

Nicola Parisi and Mariangela Lops

The project explores the integration of additive manufacturing and viscous materials for applications in civil engineering and architecture, using two complementary approaches: a direct method, based on material extrusion, and an indirect method, using 3D printing to create molds and formworks.
The goal is to promote innovation and sustainability in the construction sector by using natural and locally sourced waste materials and combining computational design with robotic fabrication. Two demonstrators were produced: a curved seat created via direct printing, and a modular raw earth structure, validating the effectiveness of both methods.

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Arena A – Hall 30 Booth M26 

A Circular and Resilient Transition for the Competitive Development of Made in Italy: Results and Impacts of the MICS Project

MICS – Spoke 7: Innovative, Consumer-Oriented Business Models for Resilient and Circular Supply Chains

Ilaria Giannoccaro

The presentation highlights the main research results developed within the MICS project, focusing on the projects carried out and particularly examining the capabilities needed to transform supply chains from linear to circular. 

The Impact of Circular Economy on Corporate Risk Profiles

Roberta Pellegrino

Circular Economy is increasingly recognized as a solution to environmental challenges related to resource depletion, pollution, and waste, and it represents a crucial step toward achieving the Green Deal 2050 goals. 
However, its adoption by companies involves significant risks. The presented research analyzes the relationships between circular practices, associated risks, and mitigation strategies in the furniture sector, highlighting the key drivers and tools for an efficient transition to circular business models. 

Products Made from Waste: What Do Consumers Think?

Rosa Maria Dangelico

The demand for sustainable products is growing, particularly those derived from industrial symbiosis, where one company produces items using waste from another.
Despite offering environmental benefits—reducing waste and the need for virgin raw materials—these products may face market barriers.
This presentation reports the results of surveys on Italian consumers’ perceptions, purchase intentions, and willingness to pay a premium for such products.

Sofa Value Chain: Durability of Made in Italy Products

Annalisa Di Roma

The presentation highlights the results of Project 7.5 “Cultural Value Chains,” focused on a design method for upholstered furniture based on cultural sustainability, understood as increased perceived durability. 
Using the Semantic Value-Driven Design approach, a test on 210 participants showed that making socio-cultural values explicit enhances the perception of durability and guides preferences toward products with a clear design language. 

In-Space Manufacturing: A Sustainability Evaluation

Claudio Sassanelli

The project aims to assess the feasibility of a space-based factory using In-Space Manufacturing (ISM), capable of managing the entire production chain in orbit, from waste recycling to final assembly. 
The goal is to promote a more sustainable and flexible paradigm for space systems, reducing dependency on Earth. 
The research evaluates the economic feasibility and risks of the orbital factory model (FIS), considering efficient resource management and adherence to ethical standards for space waste. In particular, it explores production opportunities and the benefits of a closed-loop system for long-duration missions. 

Metaverse Made in Italy: Immersive Narratives to Convey Value and Sustainability

Michele Fiorentino

The metaverse is emerging as a potential social platform of the future, impacting the way people live, work, and consume goods and services. 
This presentation will showcase the research results in this field, illustrating the perspectives of the Metaverse in the context of “Made in Italy,” and in particular how immersive spaces can be used to convey effective narratives to communicate the stories, traditions, and sustainability aspects associated with goods and services.

Sustainability and Circularity in the Stone Sector: The STONE Project – SusTainable ecOdesign reusiNg quarring wastE

Bruno Silvana

The STONE project addresses the environmental impacts of the Italian stone sector, valorizing waste such as marble slurry and rubble through circular supply chains in the geoclusters of Tuscany, Sicily, and Puglia. 
The initiative promotes eco-sustainable Made in Italy products, focusing on modularity, design-for-disassembly, and end-of-life reuse. 
Collaboration between academia and industry led to inventories of materials, prototypes of indoor, urban, and landscape furnishings, and an integrated workflow for product-service systems capable of leveraging waste on a large scale.