About the project

Project Activities

1. 1

   Industrial Research

   The core activity of the project: from setting up the laboratory and developing the methodology, through material selection, consolidation and characterisation, to validating the materials under industrial conditions and preparing scientific publications.

   More information

   The research follows an iterative cycle: material formulation → consolidation → characterisation → industrial validation → formulation improvement. Each round of testing yields new insights into the relationship between process, microstructure and the functional properties of the materials.

   Research Phases

   1. 1

      State of the art and industrial requirements

      Analysis of scientific literature, patent databases, the market and competitors. Orqa engineers define the operational requirements, technical constraints and target performance of the materials.

   2. 2

      Setting up the laboratory

      A Materials Characterisation Laboratory is being set up at the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University, equipped for analysing microstructure as well as mechanical and physical properties.

   3. 3

      Powder selection and mixture formulation

      Iron-based starting powders and insulating additives (oxides, nitrides, nanoparticles) are selected, and mixtures are prepared for the first consolidation phase. The starting powders are analysed by optical and electron microscopy (morphology, microstructure, particle size).

   4. 4

      First consolidation phase

      Isostatic pressing is used to produce samples (so-called green bodies) which are tested for density, porosity and homogeneity. The results are used to select the best formulations.

   5. 5

      Final consolidation and heat treatment

      The best formulations undergo warm pressing in a protective atmosphere followed by heat treatment to optimise the microstructure. This stage is carried out in cooperation with external research laboratories, which will also perform independent testing of the magnetic properties.

   6. 6

      Characterisation of properties

      Detailed testing of the magnetic, physical and mechanical properties of the developed materials.

   7. 7

      Industrial validation

      Orqa engineers and technicians test the materials under simulated operating conditions and provide feedback for further optimisation.

   Research Infrastructure

   In addition to the new Materials Characterisation Laboratory at SOIS FT, the project uses the research infrastructure of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, and its Powder Metallurgy Laboratory, accessible through CTT, as well as the expertise of external specialised research institutes. The equipment procured within the project will remain permanently at the University and will be used for further research, teaching and services to other research and industrial organisations.

   Potential Applications

   • Electric motors and generators
   • Transformers and inductive components
   • Electric vehicles and e-mobility
   • Unmanned aerial vehicles
   • Energy systems
   • High-reliability electronics
   months 1–36
2. 2

   Activities Aimed at Continuing Research and Cooperation Between Academia and Industry

   Developing a Long-Term Cooperation Strategy for SOIS FT – Orqa – CTT, strategic planning workshops and preparing project proposals to continue research at higher technology readiness levels.

   months 20–36
3. 3

   Intellectual Property Assessment and Protection

   Prior art search and freedom-to-operate assessment, market and competitor analysis, development of an intellectual property protection strategy and a technology transfer strategy and filing of an application for protection. This also includes establishing an institutional framework for intellectual property management at the University.

   months 1–36
4. 4

   Horizontal Activities

   Workshops on equality, accessibility and sustainable resource management, a “Women in STEM” workshop and green laboratory measures.

   months 1–36
5. 5

   Dissemination of Research Results and Networking

   Participation in national and international conferences and trade fairs, a round table on cooperation between science and industry, and the project’s closing conference.

   months 6–36
6. 6

   Project Management

   Coordination of the Consortium, implementation planning and monitoring, financial management, reporting and risk management.

   months 1–36
7. 7

   Promotion and Visibility

   Project visual identity, website and social media, promotional materials, media relations, and the opening conference and public events.

   months 1–36