ARAGON TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

ITA

OFFER

INDEX
INTRODUCTION

4-5

FUNCTIONAL MODEL

6-7

KNOWLEDGE AREAS

8-9

10-11

12-13

01

Materials
New Design Technologies
Production, Logistics and Intelligent Systems

02

TRANSFER MECHANISMS

Contractual R&D


- Materials


- New Design Technologies


- Production, Logistics and Intelligent Systems
Technological Services and Technical Assistance

- Computational Simulation


- Design of Mechatronic Products


- Logistics and ICTs


- Materials Laboratory


- Functional Safety and NVH Laboratory


- Testing and Calibration Laboratory

R&D+i promotion


- Lines of action

Training and scientific-technological diffusion


- Lines of action

03

PREFERENTIAL SECTORS

Sectoral Activity

- Elevators

- Machinery

- Automotive Sector

- ICTs

14-15
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
24-25
26-27
28-29
30-31
32-33
34-35
36-37
38-39
40-41
42-43

44-45

46-47

introduction

Introduction
 - 5

The Aragon Technology Institute (ITA) is a nonprofit technology centre whose main objective
is to promote competitiveness in the industrial
sector and support the growth of business
sectors by means of the development,
acquisition, adaptation, transfer and diffusion
of innovative technologies in a multi-agent
collaborative framework.

- To upgrade the technical skills of staff

as well as their specialization in new
technologies by means of the development of
technical and occupational training activities.

The main objectives of the ITA are the

following:
- To provide businesses with research and
technological development services, as much
for the development of new products, services
or processes as for the implementation of
advanced technologies, thus promoting and
improving competitiveness.

- To promote the participation of businesses in

both national and international programmes
of technological innovation, providing them
with technical support for the presentation
of projects and assistance for their
implementation.

- To provide technological consultancy and

technical services guaranteeing the quality
and productivity of businesses.
- To identify and meet the innovation needs
of both current and emerging sectors,
particularly oriented to Small and MediumSized Enterprises.

- To cooperate with other agents in the

Innovation System in order to provide clients
with the best service.

ITA is a Technology and Innovation Centre

registered (no. 49) with the CIT Register of the
MEC and also registered with the Office for the
Transfer of Research Results (OTRI no. 147).

Functional model

Functional model
 - 7

01
Knowledge Areas
The specialization of the ITA in certain technological areas will inevitably lead
to the generation of new knowledge or adaptation of existing knowledge to
the future needs of businesses. The development of solid research activity is
essential for this purpose.
This activity is carried out by means of multidisciplinary R&D projects developed
by the ITA itself and in cooperation with businesses. These projects are financed
internally or by competitive public subsidy and are directed towards generating
new added value products and processes based on the ITAs knowledge and
multidisciplinary capacity.

Knowledge Areas

The ITAs research activity falls into three

main specialist areas representing the main
focus for R&D:
Materials
The aim of this area is to generate and
develop high-end activities focused on the
numerical characterization and prediction of
the behaviour of materials and on the design
of multifunctional materials.
New Design Technologies
The scope of this area is to develop new tools
and methodologies oriented to improving
design processes and developing products
by means of the convergence of different
multidisciplinary technologies: numerical,
experimental and hybrid.
Production, Logistics and Intelligent
Systems
The objectives of this area include integration,
development and experimentation with
technologies involved in the production line,
from the process as a whole to the related
technological components.

Knowledge Areas
10 - 11

1- Contact surface topography

2- Elevator slide
3- Micrograph of dispersion force in thermoplastic mold
5- CFD simulation of pneumatic valve

4- Data clustering representation

1
2

02
Transfer Mechanisms
Intermediary structures and instruments that dynamize and promote technology
transfer are required in order to carry out the process of technology adaptation
and transfer to businesses.
Technology transfer enables businesses to make use of both the ITAs R&D
capacity and the results generated in its knowledge areas. The objective is to
involve industry in an innovative dynamic based on the integration of scientifictechnological advances into products and processes.
This activity is based on four transfer mechanisms representing the different
types of relation between the ITA and businesses:

Contractual R&D
Technological Services
and Technical ASSISTANCE
R&D promotion
Training and diffusion

Contractual R&D

Transfer mechanisms
14 - 15

The applied research lines in which the ITA

works with businesses for the development
of R&D projects are based on the above
mentioned three knowledge areas and lines of
specialization. These projects, being developed
over the mid and long terms, combine different
specialization domains as well as numerical
tools and experimental methods, thus making
maximum use of the multidisciplinary capacity
of the ITA.

Materials
- Behaviour modelling, life prediction and
materials failure analysis
- Development of new materials with high
functional performance
- Welding technologies and surface treatment.
New Design Technologies
- Analysis and simulation of components and
systems
- Functional safety
- Design and simulation of mechatronic
systems
Logistics, Production and Intelligent Systems
- Integration of production systems
- Process engineering and logistics
- Intelligent systems

1- MEF simulation of railway component

2- Tribometer with reciprocal testing
3- Simulation model of automotive assembly plant
4- CFD simulation of water pump
5- MEF simulation of corrugated cardboard

4
2
1

Contractual R&D
Materials

This applied research line is aimed at

providing support for industry so that it can
develop innovative products and processes
based on the appropriate selection of
materials and a deep knowledge of their
functional properties, also providing industry
with support when creating new advanced
materials.
The scope of application includes metallic
materials, reinforced thermoplastics,
industrial elastomers, paper and cardboard
and advanced composites (including
nanocomposites).

Transfer mechanisms
16 - 17

Lines of specialization:
- Behaviour modelling, life prediction and
materials failure analysis under service
conditions.
This includes advanced characterization and
formulation of physical laws, as well as models
of macroscopic behaviour and failure of
materials widely used in the target industrial
sectors.

- Welding technologies and surface treatment

This comprises the analysis of conventional
welding technologies, laser microwelding and
riveted and adhesive joints, as well as the
analysis of different laser surface treatments
and coatings.

- Development of new materials with

knowledge-based high functional
performance.
This includes the modelling, design and
manufacture of polymer matrix materials
reinforced with nanoparticles, with the aim of
obtaining a final material with high mechanical
properties and/or multifunctional capacity.

1- Traction test for thermoplastic material

2 & 3- MEF simulation and test for cardboard box
4- Extruder for development of new polymeric matrix materials

2
3

Contractual R&D
New Design
Technologies

The application of methodologies developed in

this area is aimed at improving the knowledgebased functionality of the end product as well
as improving the structural integrity, comfort,
security and reliability throughout its life cycle.
Within this technology framework, the use of
virtual prototyping and control design based on
simulation are highlighted as the basic tools
for improving product innovation, including the
development of multiphysical models and their
integration in different domains and covering,
at the same time, mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, thermal, electromagnetic or
acoustic features.
Mechatronic product design is worth
mentioning, since it integrates traditional
mechanical and electrical products with other
disciplines such as computing and control.

Transfer mechanisms
18 - 19

Lines of specialization:
- Analysis and simulation of components and
systems

- Design and simulation of mechatronic

systems

This comprises the development of virtual

models of systems and components,
combining different domains and making use
of numerical and simulation techniques.

This concentrates on simulation techniques

and dynamic analysis of systems as
conceptual design tools, as well as on the
development of advanced control algorithms
especially designed for this application.

- Functional safety
This research line aims at developing
experimental and numerical methodologies
to improve reliability of products, thus
guaranteeing their correct functioning under
extreme environmental, mechanical, electrical
and electromagnetic conditions.

1. & 2- Semianechoic chamber for EMC testing

3- Infrared thermography of electronic circuit
4- Multi-axial vibrator with 6 degrees of freedom
5- Simulation model of braking system with different control systems
3

1
2

Contractual R&D
Production,
Logistics and
Intelligent
Systems

Transfer mechanisms
20 - 21

The projects developed in this R&D line are

oriented to:
- Processes mainly focused on manufacturing
and logistics as well as related areas of
business.
- Specific simulators, machines, installations
and equipment focusing on the integrative
aspects of production technologies:
mechanical, electronic, control-oriented and
those with advanced features (high dynamics,
distributed systems, real time and embedded).
- Intelligent systems for the analysis and
research of soft-computing algorithms and
data mining, in order to learn, recognize,
classify, optimize and predict the behaviour
of a model or process, and capable of
being integrated into the developments and
applications of the two previous lines.

Lines of specialization:
- Integration of production systems

- Intelligent systems

This is based on the development of advanced

production technologies, integrating
knowledge from the fields of software
engineering, electronics, communications,
mechanics and automation into design and
development.

Analysis, design and optimization of

algorithms and meta-algorithms of Soft
Computing and Data Mining, mainly applicable
in the fields of decision tools, networks and
systems management and automatic systems.

- Process engineering and logistics

This includes the optimization of processes
along the supply chain and the development of
management rules and behavioural models,
applying advanced optimization and simulation
techniques.

1- Simulation of logistic operations platform

2- Logistics operations installation
3- Intelligent systems forecast graphic

3
1

Technological
services and
technical
assistance

Transfer mechanisms
22 - 23

By offering technological services, the ITA

aims to apply its wide range of technologies,
techniques, methodologies and analysis
procedures to problem-solving issues for
businesses, providing support for their most
immediate needs.
- Computational Simulation
- Design of Mechatronic Products
- Logistics and ICTs
- Materials Laboratory
- Functional Safety and NVH Laboratory
- Testing and Calibration Laboratory

1- MEF model of bus chassis

2- Coordinate measuring machine
3

3- Simulation of noise field emission

4- Sphere from the Barcelona Culture Forum 2004
1

Technological
services and
technical
assistance
Computational
Simulation

Transfer mechanisms
24 - 25

The ITA has a wide experience and long

tradition in the development of projects based
on virtual prototyping as R&D support for
businesses of different sizes and sectors. Its
offer in Computational Simulation is one of
the main mechanisms of technology transfer
in the areas of Materials and New Design
Technologies, and serves as a reference point
for businesses in the region.

The area ranges from technological services

for structural analysis to the development of
multiphysical simulations including, among
others, fluid domains and electromagnetic,
thermal or acoustic features. It also includes
virtual prototyping of parts manufactured
with metallic materials, plastics, or
elastomers as well as the development of
advanced models for life prediction and the
simulation of failure modes.

Services:
- Structural analysis
- Materials behaviour modelling
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Noise and vibration simulation
- Dynamic simulation of mechatronic
mechanisms and systems
- Life prediction and reliability

1- MEF simulation of rubber-metal elastic joint

2- Vibration simulation of braking system calliper
3- Nations Wall Athens 2004
4- Vibration simulation of washing machine frame
2
1

Technological
services and
technical
assistance
Design of
Mechatronic
Products

Transfer mechanisms
26 - 27

The offer in Design of Mechatronic Products

aims at combining resources in the fields
of mechanical, electrical, electronic and
control design and extending their current
capacities by means of the systematic use of
new design and simulation methodologies, and
technologies of system integration, distributed
control, industrial communications and
software and hardware architecture.
The ITA is thus equipped to develop
consultancy, design and development projects
of greater technological value and applicable
on the one hand to innovative products in the
automotive, civil works, vertical transport
or energy sectors, and on the other hand to
advanced production systems and simulators.

This line includes a fast prototyping service

that allows prototypes to be obtained in a
competitively short time by making use of
different technologies and materials (SLS,
Polyjet, vacuum casting).
A service of structured-light digitization
and reverse engineering is offered as a
support tool for the design of products and
development of prototypes, by developing CAD
models from the point cloud obtained in the
digitization process.
Services:
- Design of algorithms and control software
- Development of advanced electronic
systems for monitoring, automation and
communications
- Design and integration of high dynamic
and/or precision test stations
- Fast prototyping, digitization and reverse
engineering.

1- Methodology of mechatronic product design

2- White light digitizing system
3- Ballbearings test bench
4- Software and hardware integration for monitoring and communication

2
1

Technological
services and
technical
assistance
Logistics and ICTs

This line covers technologies oriented towards

optimizing supply chain processes in the areas
of provisioning, manufacturing, storage and
transport in two different contexts:
- Global: covering systems managing
connections among the different nodes.
- Local: optimizing the behaviour of each
process involved in the supply chain nodes.
The value-added services offered by these two
lines are based on the application of advanced
optimization and simulation technologies
so as to develop behavioural models and
management rules.
Services:
- Design and optimization of processes
- Knowledge management
- Decision-making support tools

Transfer mechanisms
28 - 29

Consultative activities relating to Information

and Communication Technologies are also
developed, both those included in R&D projects (Process Engineering and Intelligent
Systems, among others) and those serving
as support for each line of specialization,
thus constituting an excellent technological
support or benchmark in this sector at a
regional level.

Services:
- Analysis, design and development of
software-intensive systems
- Quality and improvement of software
development processes (CMMI)
- Service quality in communication networks
- Communications laboratory: new
generation networks

1- Simulation model of automotive assembly plant

2- Quality and process improvement in software development
3- Service quality in communications networks

2
11

Technological
services and
technical
assistance
Materials
Laboratory

Transfer mechanisms
30 - 31

The Materials Laboratory is responsible

for developing R&D projects related to the
advanced experimental study of functional
behaviour and materials processability, and
activities providing support for the lines
of specialization through the systematic
characterization of materials involved in any
of the Institutes projects. This systematic
characterization is also one of the main
valuable technological services offered
to industry.

Participation in numerous experimental

activities in collaboration with business
projects has resulted in the ITA becoming a
showcase for the potential of R+D in materials
promotion as a technological support for
business.
In conjunction with the ICMA, R+D consulting
activities are carried out with materials
processing by laser. High level technology
services are offered in the areas of marking,
microcutting and laser cleaning.

Services:
- Chemical characterization testing of
materials
- Mechanical behaviour characterization
testing of materials
- Metallography
- Climatic testing
- Marking, microcutting and laser cleaning

1- Polymeric materials processing laboratory

2- Thermal shock chamber
3- Laser microcutting machine
4- Thermoplastic material traction test
5- Spark analysis of steel composition
1

4
3

Technological
services and
technical
assistance
Functional
Safety and NVH
Laboratory

This laboratory specialises in analysis,

diagnosis and problem-solving in the fields
of structural integrity, vibrations and noise.
It is equipped with the most advanced
experimental technologies aimed at improving
design processes and product development,
taking into account functional needs as well
as quality and comfort, with the objective
of achieving a shorter launch time for new
products and improving safety and reliability
during their life cycles.
The wide range of experience and equipment
acquired in recent years in relation to the
analysis and processing of load states as well
as their accelerated reproduction in laboratory
conditions has resulted in ITA becoming an
indispensable high value technical support for
businesses.
The laboratory also provides businesses
with an integrated service for the functional
safety of products, including immunity against
electromagnetic waves, vibrations resistance
and product functioning in aggressive
environments.

Transfer mechanisms
32 - 33

By making use of facilities that include an

anechoic room, electromagnetic and hydraulic
vibrators and a wide range of climatic chambers,
together with a highly qualified staff and
powerful measuring and analysis equipment, the
task of the ITAs Functional Safety Laboratory
is not restricted to the execution of tests, but
ranges also from the definition of conditions
and procedures to recommendations for the
improvement of products.
Services:
Tests of components and systems:
- Structural integrity
- Fatigue
- Noise and vibrations
- Environmental ageing
- Electrical safety
- Electromagnetic compatibility

1- Electrodynamic vibrator
2- Multifunctional testing work-surface
3- Semianechoic EMC test chamber
2
1

Technological
services and
technical
assistance
Testing and
Calibration
Laboratory

Transfer mechanisms
34 - 35

This laboratory provides businesses with

a wide range of technological services for
the development of mechanical/chemical
characterization testing, vibroacoustic and
environmental evaluations, electromagnetic
compatibility, etc., in addition to specific tests
tailored to clients needs.
The laboratory undertakes dimension, mass,
force, pressure, temperature, electrical
equipment and dimensional metrology
calibrations.
The laboratory operates within a Quality
Management System under Standard UNE-EN
17025 and several tests and calibrations are
accredited by ENAC.

Assistance and consultancy services are

offered on CE Marking, Standards and
Directives.
Services:
- Mechanical, chemical, environmental,
vibroacoustic testing
- Electrical testing
- Calibrations
- Advice on CE marking

1- Chemical composition plasma analysis

2- Incandescent filament resistance test
3- Universal biaxial machine
2
1

Promotion of
innovation

The scope of this transfer mechanism is to

promote and improve knowledge generation
and diffusion, and transfer the ITAs R&D
results to businesses. Activities relating to
the OTRI (Office for the Transfer of Research
Results) are carried out focusing on two
main fields:
- Promotion of Technology Transfer and
Cooperation
- Technological Assistance and Consultancy
Services
The ITA also provides cooperation and support
to the Government of Aragon in the definition
and development of its innovation policy for
the region, including those activities related to
the promotion of the Information Society.

Transfer mechanisms
36 - 37

1- Clunet European project meeting (Cooperation)

2- Promotion of technology transfer meeting
3- Promotion of cooperation meeting
2
1

Promotion of
Innovation
Lines of action

Transfer mechanisms
38 - 39

Promotion of Technology Transfer and

Cooperation
- Promotion of Technology Transfer by
effective management within the technology
offers and requests market.
- Identification of technology transfer
opportunities in businesses.
- Support for businesses in the different
stages of the technology transfer process.
- Promotion of technological cooperation.
Promotion, selection and definition of projects
involving the participation in cooperation
networks and globalization of businesses.
- Technological dynamization actions directed
towards business sectors and clusters.
- Information service relating to general
issues in the field of R&D.
- Organization and participation in business
events to promote technology transfer.

Technological Advisory and Consultancy

Services
- Technological diagnosis to identify the needs
and technological potential of SMEs.
- Assistance with the presentation and
development of proposals for public R&D
programmes.
- Technological Surveillance and Forecasting
services.

Support for the Government of Aragon in the

definition and development of its innovation
policy for the region
- Support for the Government of Aragon in the
management and development of the Regional
Innovation Policy and execution of technical or
technological programmes and projects.
- Promotion of the Information Society. The
actions promoted by the ITA are consistent
with the Government of Aragon policies for the
application of the Information Society both in
SMEs and the community.

1- Map Milling European project meeting (ICT)

2- Promotion of technology transfer meeting
3- ITA installations at Walqa (ICT)
2
1

Training and
scientifictechnological
diffusion

Transfer mechanisms
40 - 41

Training sessions and technological diffusion

activities included in this transfer mechanism
are aimed at qualifying professionals working
in businesses according to their needs.
These actions comprise three main groups:
- Training plan
- Made to measure training
- Scientific-technological diffusion

1- Training seminar room

2- e-learning platform
3- Master in Innovation Management (UZ-ITA)

Training and
scientifictechnological
diffusion
Lines of action

Transfer mechanisms
42 - 43

Training Plan
Part of the plan is included in a cooperation
agreement with the INAEM and is co-financed
by this entity.
The plan also offers specific training sessions
to facilitate the transfer of results achieved in
technological research activities carried out by
the various sections of the ITA.

Made to measure training

E-learning

Made to measure training contributes to

the development of company strategies for
improving the professional qualifications and
competence of personnel in their positions
of work.

The ITA has facilities for distance training, via

Internet, using the opportunities offered by
ICTs in order to facilitate access to training
of the greatest possible number of users
with convenient timetables and without the
obligations imposed by on-site training.

Made to measure courses

- Identification of training needs
- Company applications
- Contact with sector-leading companies
- Design and selection of subject areas
- Finding and selecting suppliers

- Scientific-technological diffusion services

Organization of conferences and meetings to
promote the diffusion of new techniques and
working methods, the exchange of ideas and
the development of projects.

ITA Courses
By organising its own specific courses, the
ITA is able to take maximum advantage of
the work and knowledge it develops as a
technology centre.
- Master in Innovation Management
This master course arose out of the
identification of a business need and is a
development of the ITAs experience in
innovation transfer and management. The
course is organised in conjunction with the
Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences
of the University of Zaragoza and offers an
officially recognised qualification.

1- Training course
2- e-learning platform training course
3- Technology diffusion meeting at ITA Walqa

2
3

03
Preferential sectors
In parallel with specialising in a series of technologies making up the basic
expertise of the Institute, the centre is directing much of its activity towards
business sectors, thus developing a greater knowledge and understanding of the
needs of companies in specific key areas.
This tendency is supported by the provision of opportunities specifically
tailored to these areas, and a range of initiatives and strategies enabling the
opportunities on offer to constitute a truly sector-oriented approach. The
strategic initiatives include:
- The development of facilities and services for specific sectors, providing added
value for business (homologation, large-scale test installations, etc.).
- Participation and organization of specialist sector forums such as technical
conferences, publication in relevant journals, etc.
- Active participation in standards and regulatory committees.
- Effective technology surveillance in specific sectors with continuous monitoring
of market news, standards, new technical developments, new products, etc.
- A critical mass of experts with knowledge of and close links with various
sectors enabling a fast response to requests requiring knowledge of the sector
and its problems in general.

SECTORAL ACTIVITY

Elevators
In recent years the ITA has created a set
of resources, services and equipment
establishing itself as a reference point for
businesses in the vertical transport sector.
The objective is to consolidate a support
centre for companies in the elevator sector
equipped to carry out all types of projects
relating to product design and development,
from the calculation, initial validation and
functional testing stages to the carrying out
of the tests required for the homologation of
safety components.
Machinery
Machinery and capital goods manufacture
represents a sector of considerable interest
for the technologies and R+D work of the
Institute. With its current available capacity
and opportunities on offer, the ITA is able to
respond to a wide range of needs in the areas
of mechanical, electrical and electronic design
both in terms of R+D and for testing and
functional evaluation.

Preferential sectors
46 - 47

Automotive Sector

ICTs

The ITA has extensive experience of working

with companies in the automotive sector,
developing industrial projects with small
and medium-sized suppliers and with
multinationals, both in product design
and development and in process analysis
and optimization. Company requirements
can be met comprehensively through the
establishment of multidisciplinary teams,
bringing an added value to development. The
ITA has at its disposal specific and differential
equipment for the automotive sector.

The work undertaken by the ITA for the

telecommunications sector has resulted
in the development and consolidation of a
range of equipment, human resources and
materials directed towards the analysis of
service quality in communication networks.
The ITA provides evaluation and consultancy
services to software companies for the
implementation of process improvement
programs, adapting standards such as
CMMI to their individual needs.

1- Test installation for elevator systems

2- Analysis of Aragon automotive components sector
3- Information and Communications Technologies

3
2