ALCHEMIE LIMITED

Their core work

Alchemie Limited is a UK-based technology SME specialising in advanced manufacturing process development, with demonstrated expertise in automated fabrication systems and composite material production. In the KRAKEN project they contributed to developing a hybrid automated machine capable of running concurrent manufacturing processes — a capability relevant to precision industrial production. In the HERON project, operating within the Clean Sky 2 aeronautics programme, they worked on fully controlled Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) tooling and high-deposition-rate Automated Layer Manufacturing (ALM) technologies targeted at cost-effective aerospace component production. Their profile positions them as a specialist process technology contributor: a company that brings manufacturing engineering depth to research consortia rather than conducting basic science.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Alchemie's two-project trajectory shows a clear shift from general advanced manufacturing automation toward aerospace-grade composite process engineering. Their first engagement (KRAKEN, 2016–2019) centred on hybrid machining systems applicable across industrial sectors. By their second project (HERON, 2019–2021), they had moved into the tightly regulated Clean Sky 2 aeronautics programme, working on RTM and ALM technologies where precision, material integrity, and certification standards are paramount. This progression suggests deliberate repositioning toward the higher-value, higher-barrier aerospace composites market rather than general industrial automation.

Alchemie is moving deeper into aerospace and transport composite manufacturing, suggesting future collaboration opportunities are most relevant for Clean Sky, SESAR, or advanced materials programmes requiring RTM and additive layer expertise.

How they like to work

Alchemie participates exclusively as a consortium member — they have never coordinated an H2020 project. With 16 unique partners across 8 countries spread over just two projects, they operate within medium-to-large research consortia, contributing specialist manufacturing process knowledge rather than driving project strategy. This pattern is typical of industrial SMEs that supply targeted technical capabilities to consortia led by universities or large industrial prime contractors.

Alchemie has built a network of 16 consortium partners across 8 countries from just two projects, indicating exposure to sizeable, multi-national research consortia. Their Clean Sky 2 participation in particular would have connected them with major European aerospace prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers.

What sets them apart

Alchemie is a rare UK manufacturing SME with verified H2020 experience in both general industrial automation and aerospace-certified composite manufacturing processes — two specialisms that rarely coexist in a single small company. Their Clean Sky 2 track record is a strong differentiator, as that programme demands industrial readiness and quality standards far beyond typical research participation. For consortium builders needing a UK-based specialist in composite tooling or automated layup, Alchemie brings both the technical depth and the EU collaborative research experience.

Highlights from their portfolio

• KRAKEN
  Largest funding award (EUR 241,175) and earliest project — establishes their foundation in hybrid machine design and concurrent manufacturing process integration.
• HERON
  Clean Sky 2 participation signals aerospace-grade technical credibility; RTM and ALM work places Alchemie directly in the high-value aerospace composites supply chain.