Reference Projects on the Development of Ontology-Based Data Ecosystems and Digital Representations for Value Chains

CopperDigital has established and demonstrated a data ecosystem for digital materials research on copper and copper alloys. The central element is an ontology-based, unified digital representation of materials data spanning the entire life cycle. Various data sources from research and industry were semantically linked and made interoperable. Fraunhofer IWM has made a significant contribution to the development of the ontology as well as to the curation and structuring of materials databases.

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

iBain has developed data-driven and AI-based methods for the process design of fatigue-resistant steel components with a bainitic microstructure. By linking process parameters, microstructural features, and mechanical properties, process-property correlations are systematically identified. Machine learning methods enable the targeted prediction of optimal process windows for achieving desired materials properties. The result is a seamless, data-driven workflow extending from the heat treatment process to the component’s service life.

iBain - Fraunhofer IWM

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

Digital representations of steel materials and manufacturing processes form the basis for end-to-end data exchange between the involved stages of the process chain. The semantic linking of heterogeneous datasets has enabled consistent use of materials and process data across organizational boundaries. Simulation models for describing forming processes and crash behavior are embedded in the workflows. Fraunhofer IWM has driven the development of the ontology and the implementation of the digital workflows.

StahlDigital - Fraunhofer IWM

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

The ontological description developed in the project, in conjunction with the data derived from materials, processes, characterization, and simulation, allows for the prediction of the effects of parameter changes as well as the evaluation of components using real-world data. This enables comprehensive optimization ranging from the materials microstructure to the structural durability of the components, including their recyclability. 

OntOMat - Fraunhofer IWM

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

The project developed a standard and an interface that standardizes the scientific and technical advancement of constitutive, viscoplastic materials models. The focus was on the real-time capability of the models for analyzing process and operation-related deformation and damage behavior. To this end, physics-based simulation models were combined with data and AI-driven approaches to generate computationally efficient surrogate models. Digital representations of the materials and components form the structural foundation of the digital twin concept. 

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

DiStEL has developed a digital, cross-scale ontological description of the processes and materials from manufacturing through operation to the end of life of steel components. The goal is the holistic optimization of the process chain regarding materials properties, energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and reusability/recyclability.  The CO₂ footprint of the steel components was quantified based on available process and operational data. Data from various stages of the value chain were integrated through close semantic and technical collaboration among the participating stakeholders.

DiStel - Fraunhofer IWM

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

Using a connector as an example, production data and LCA-relevant data are collected. Through the semantic description of processes and metadata using an ontology, the data is enriched with background information that enables machines to interpret it. The semantic data is made available in a data space without the data creator losing ownership of the data. A materials ID uniquely links the data to a product. This forms the basis for a digital product passport, which can be used to trace the manufacturing route, the socio-ecological footprint, and the recycling properties.

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

AeroMatPass-X is developing and testing the digital materials passport as an innovation tool for the early stages of the supply chain in the aerospace industry. The materials passport consolidates materials-related information in a semantically structured, machine-readable format and makes it available throughout the supply chain. By embedding it in a data ecosystem, supply chain actors are digitally connected, and information loss between partners is reduced. The digital passport also supports life cycle and sustainability assessments through the comprehensive documentation of the materials’ origin and properties. 

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

The project has developed a fully digital materials twin that can be seamlessly integrated into industrial manufacturing processes. End-to-end data workflows link materials properties, process parameters, and simulation results in a shared database. Through the introduction of bidirectional real-time communication and the use and expansion of PMD-compliant ontologies, materials properties are continuously optimized and adapted to changing conditions. Data spaces enable the secure sharing of even sensitive corporate data.

PMD-X-MAPRO - Fraunhofer IWM

Link to the MaterialDigital platform

EDCar addresses data exchange among stakeholders in the automotive industry at the end of a vehicle’s life cycle with the goal of establishing a functioning circular economy. The integration of the Catena-X and MaterialDigital data ecosystems, along with semantic data standards, enables the seamless exchange of materials information between manufacturers, recycling facilities, and other circular economy stakeholders. This allows recycling and reuse processes to be designed more efficiently and with greater precision. The project embeds the life cycle and sustainability perspective directly into data exchange and makes the CO₂ and materials cycles more transparent.

EDCar - Fraunhofer IWM

Link to the MaterialDigital platform