As we conclude our “Meet the Suite Leaders” series, we are proud to present the final instalment, featuring Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM), the leading organisation behind Suite 1: The DiMAT Data and Assessment Suite (DiDAS). In this final episode, we are joined by Yoav Nahson, Research Team Lead at Fraunhofer IWM, and Lukas Morand, Researcher (Postdoctoral Fellow), who provide insights into how DiDAS is transforming material data management, sustainability, and lifecycle assessment in the manufacturing sector.

The DiMAT Data and Assessment Suite – DiDAS

The Data and Assessment Suite (DiDAS) is a collection of digital tools designed to enhance material traceability, safety, and sustainability. Powered by advanced semantic technologies, DiDAS provides solutions for data storage, management, and utilisation, aimed at improving the overall material design process.

The suite is designed to achieve several key objectives:
– Enhancing material safety and traceability across the production lifecycle.
– Reducing the environmental impact of materials used in manufacturing processes.
– Minimising costs associated with material design, lifecycle management, and production.
– Boosting digital skills and knowledge among personnel, enabling better decision-making in material selection and design.

At the core of DiDAS are three interconnected toolkits, each with distinct roles:

1. DiMAT Cloud Materials Database (DiCMDB): This centralized system allows for the storage, sharing, and exploration of relevant material data used in design, processing, and manufacturing. DiCMDB offers a secure and accessible platform where companies can manage large datasets, enabling faster and more informed decisions regarding materials.

2. DiMAT Knowledge Acquisition Framework (DiKAF): Leveraging semantic technologies, DiKAF provides a framework for representing, managing, and analyzing information related to materials and their properties. Using a Knowledge Graph (KG) to model relationships between materials and their characteristics, DiKAF enables companies to draw valuable insights that enhance material design and optimization.

3. DiMAT Materials Environmental and Cost Life Cycle Assessment (DiMEC·LCA): This toolkit performs a high-level assessment of the environmental and economic impacts of materials over their entire lifecycle. By evaluating factors such as material extraction, processing, and disposal, DiMEC·LCA helps companies make sustainable choices that reduce both the economic and ecological footprint of their products.

With the insights shared by Fraunhofer IWM, DiDAS is poised to play a crucial role in the future of material science and manufacturing. Stay tuned for more updates from DiMAT as we continue to innovate and lead the way in material solutions for a sustainable future.

This interview offers valuable insights into the DiMAT scope and objectives, making it easier for the general public to understand our purpose. 

To watch the full interview video on our YouTube Channel, click in the button below: