NCK MATCA at EDID25

About the Centre

We focus on materials science, additive manufacturing, laser and plasma technologies, and sensor systems – including technologies with defence and aerospace relevance.

We collaborate with many academic and industrial partners on strategic R&D projects and with many others on commercial assignments, including prototyping, material development, and production optimization. Our goal is to transfer scientific excellence into industrial innovation across key sectors such as defence, energy, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

Application Areas

NCK MATCA projects are implemented across a wide range of industrial and research sectors, delivering innovative solutions to complex technical challenges.

Key sectors include:

Energy
Environmental technologies
Electronics and superconductive materials
Defence industries
Tooling and manufacturing

Development of metamaterials for high-temperature resistance and improved tool durability
Gradient structures for efficient mold cooling and reduced cycle times
Casting process monitoring for enhanced production stability and thermal efficiency

Highlighted Projects at EDID25

At EDID25, we present selected projects that illustrate how science and industry together contribute to Europe’s technological sovereignty and defence capabilities.

Optical Endoscope for Harsh Industrial and Defence Environments

This advanced borescope system is developed for real-time visualization of melting and combustion processes in extreme environments, including high-temperature industrial systems and experimental detonation chambers.

Key features:

High-precision optical and mechanical components
Heat-resistant casing with active water cooling
Air ventilating system to prevent soot accumulation on optical surfaces
High-speed CCD/CMOS imaging
AI-based spectral analysis of combustion behavior
Deployment system for safe insertion and retraction during operation

Auxetic Structures for Advanced ballistic and blast Protection

Auxetic structures are materials that exhibit a negative Poisson’s ratio – they expand laterally when stretched. This unique mechanical behavior enables outstanding energy absorption and structural resilience under dynamic loads.

Applications include:

Ballistic and blast protection in lightweight armor
Shock-absorbing elements in personal or vehicular protective systems
High-strength components for aerospace and defence industries

Topology optimization in various applications

We utilize topology optimization to design structurally efficient, lightweight components for demanding operating conditions. These methods allow for maximized material efficiency and performance in mission-critical systems. Our designs are validated through multiphysics simulations and physical prototyping.

Key benefits:

Significant mass reduction in aerospace and defence components
Enhanced mechanical resistance and performance reliability
Seamless integration into additive manufacturing workflows

Custom R&D Services for Industry

NCK MATCA offers a wide range of tailored research and development services for industrial partners. Our services span the full innovation chain, from material design to component-level optimization and prototyping.

Tungsten alloys for high-performance applications
Beta-titanium (β-Ti) alloys for lightweight, high-strength components
Gum metal – for healthcare, aerospace and automotive applications
Fero nickel – for optical and laser communication
Tool steel L40 for durable and wear-resistant parts
Grade 5 titanium (Ti6Al4V) for aerospace and medical sectors

Topology optimization for lightweight, application-specific parts
Custom engineering solutions tailored to specific industrial needs
Simulation-driven design validation (mechanical, thermal, multiphysics)

Let’s Connect

Are you interested in collaborating with us or learning more about our technologies for defence and dual-use applications? We are open to new partnerships in applied research, development, and technology transfer.

Contact us:

Email: matca@fzu.cz
Website: www.matca.cz