Spanish research cooperative specializing in laser-based manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and inspection technologies for aerospace structural components.
LORTEK is a Spanish research cooperative specializing in advanced manufacturing processes for the aerospace industry, with deep expertise in laser-based technologies, additive manufacturing, and non-destructive testing. They develop and validate production methods for aircraft structural components — from titanium forming and nickel superalloy casting to selective laser melting of heat exchangers. Their work bridges the gap between laboratory-scale manufacturing research and industrial-scale production, frequently coordinating projects that move technologies toward aircraft-ready manufacturing readiness.
Coordinated DELASTI (laser manufacturing of titanium HLFC structures), FLOWCAASH (SLM flow control actuators), COMBILASER (laser beam welding/cladding monitoring), and NEMARCO (Laser Metal Deposition for aircraft sealing rings).
Coordinated AlForAMA (Al alloy AM for aircraft parts) and AManECO (AM for eco-designed heat exchangers); participated in AMable and MULTI-FUN (multi-material AM).
Coordinated AUTHENTIC (automated thermographic inspection of aeronautic weldings) and participated in COMBILASER (non-contact monitoring) and CRO-INSPECT (robotic inspection of composite parts).
Participated in DALI (heat exchanger life prediction with multi-physics simulation) and coordinated AManECO (AM-optimized eco-designed heat exchangers).
Coordinated DISTRACTION (numerical modelling against distortion in metallic parts) and MICROFORM (FEM-assisted forming simulation); participated in DALI (multi-scale thermomechanical simulations).
In 2014–2018, LORTEK focused on foundational laser processing and manufacturing cell development — laser beam welding, cladding, non-destructive testing, and hybrid production cells (COMBILASER, HyproCell, DELASTI). From 2019 onward, their work shifted toward lifecycle-aware and digitally-integrated manufacturing: heat exchanger design with LCA considerations, automated inspection systems, cyber-physical production plants (HyperCOG), and cobalt replacement in aircraft components. The trend shows a clear move from process-level manufacturing R&D toward system-level integration combining simulation, sustainability, and digital factory concepts.
LORTEK is moving toward eco-design-driven manufacturing and digital production integration, making them an increasingly relevant partner for projects combining sustainability metrics with advanced aerospace fabrication.
LORTEK leads more often than it follows — 10 of 18 projects as coordinator, which is exceptional for a research centre of this size. They operate across 190 unique partners in 22 countries, indicating a broad and well-connected European network rather than dependence on a few repeat collaborators. Their consistent coordination role, especially in Clean Sky 2 JTI projects, signals that they are trusted to manage technical work packages and deliver on tight aerospace industry timelines.
LORTEK has built a wide European network spanning 190 partners across 22 countries, with particularly strong ties to the Clean Sky 2 aerospace ecosystem. Their Basque Country base connects them to Spain's industrial manufacturing corridor while their coordination track record gives them reach across major EU aerospace hubs.
LORTEK combines hands-on manufacturing capability (laser processing, additive manufacturing, casting) with simulation and inspection expertise — a rare combination that lets them take a component from design through production to quality verification. Their cooperative structure and high coordinator rate mean they are both technically capable and organizationally mature enough to lead multi-partner projects. For anyone building an aerospace manufacturing consortium, LORTEK brings the credibility of 11 Clean Sky 2 / transport projects and proven ability to manage EU-funded work.
