ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS EE

Their core work

ETS is a Greek engineering SME specializing in advanced composite manufacturing tooling, particularly for aerospace applications. They design and optimize mould tools and resin transfer moulding (RTM) processes, integrating sensor technologies and automation to improve composite part quality. Their most recent work embeds silicon photonic sensors directly into composite tools, enabling real-time process monitoring during manufacturing — a shift from passive tooling to intelligent, self-monitoring production equipment.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ETS began with conventional composite tooling challenges — optimizing microwave processing and mould design in SIMUTOOL (2015). By 2018, they moved into automated correction systems for RTM tooling under the Clean Sky 2 programme. Their most recent project (SEER, 2020) represents a significant leap: embedding optical sensors and photonic integrated circuits into the tools themselves, turning passive manufacturing equipment into smart, self-monitoring systems. The trajectory is clear — from optimizing existing processes to creating intelligent production infrastructure.

ETS is moving toward Industry 4.0-enabled composite manufacturing, combining their tooling expertise with photonic sensing — positioning them at the intersection of advanced materials and smart production.

How they like to work

ETS operates exclusively as a participant, contributing specialist engineering expertise to consortia rather than leading them. With 16 unique partners across 8 countries in just 3 projects, they work in moderately sized, internationally diverse teams. Their participation in Clean Sky 2 (FLEX) shows they can operate within large Joint Technology Initiative frameworks, while their consistent role as a technical contributor suggests they are valued for deep domain knowledge rather than project management capacity.

ETS has built a network of 16 partners across 8 European countries through 3 projects, indicating they integrate well into diverse international consortia despite their small size. Their connections span aerospace OEMs, research institutions, and technology providers involved in composite manufacturing.

What sets them apart

ETS occupies a specific niche: they are not a materials company or a sensor company, but a tooling engineering firm that bridges both worlds. Their progression from passive composite moulds to photonics-embedded smart tools gives them a rare combination of hands-on manufacturing tooling experience and emerging digital monitoring capabilities. For consortium builders in aerospace or advanced manufacturing, ETS offers practical engineering execution — the team that turns a research concept into a working tool on the factory floor.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SEER
  Represents their most advanced work — embedding silicon photonic sensors into aerospace composite tools for real-time self-monitoring, bridging photonics and manufacturing.
• SIMUTOOL
  Their largest funded project (EUR 363,750) and their entry into H2020, establishing their core expertise in composite tooling optimization.