BELGISCH INSTITUUT VOOR LASTECHNIEK VZW

Their core work

The Belgian Welding Institute (BIL-IBS) is a research centre specializing in welding, joining, and metal assembly technologies. They develop and test advanced joining methods — from electromagnetic pulse welding of dissimilar metals to hybrid joining for aerospace structures. Their work bridges materials science and industrial manufacturing, helping sectors like rail, aviation, and advanced manufacturing adopt new assembly techniques that improve structural performance and reduce weight.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their earlier H2020 work (2015–2018), BIL-IBS focused on core materials joining — electromagnetic forming of copper-aluminium joints and welding processes for rail infrastructure. By 2018–2022, their focus shifted toward digitalization and flexible manufacturing, with projects involving robotized integration, blockchain in manufacturing, and microfactory concepts. This evolution shows a clear move from traditional joining R&D toward integrating their welding expertise into Industry 4.0 production environments.

BIL-IBS is moving from pure welding research toward embedding joining expertise within automated, digitally connected manufacturing systems — making them relevant for smart factory and Industry 4.0 consortia.

How they like to work

BIL-IBS operates primarily as a specialist partner (3 out of 4 projects), contributing deep joining and welding expertise to larger consortia. They coordinated one project (WRIST), showing they can lead when the topic aligns closely with their core competence. With 51 unique partners across 15 countries, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on a small circle of repeat collaborators.

BIL-IBS has collaborated with 51 distinct partners across 15 European countries, indicating a well-connected position within the EU research landscape. Their partnerships span transport, manufacturing, and aerospace sectors, giving them access to both industrial end-users and academic research groups.

What sets them apart

BIL-IBS occupies a distinctive niche as a dedicated welding and joining research institute — not a university lab or a commercial manufacturer, but a focused centre with deep process expertise. Their ability to work across sectors (rail, aerospace, electronics) using a common joining technology platform makes them a versatile partner. Few organisations combine this depth in welding science with growing capability in digital manufacturing integration.

Highlights from their portfolio

• WRIST
  Their only coordinator role — developing innovative welding processes specifically for rail infrastructure, demonstrating leadership in their core domain.
• JOIN-EM
  Highly specialized work on electromagnetic pulse welding of copper to aluminium — a technique with direct commercial applications in electrical connectors and heat exchangers.
• AVANGARD
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 601,500) and a strategic pivot toward digital manufacturing, blockchain, and robotized production.