Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the ISS

R&D cases

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Explore our R&D cases

NLR is actively involved in various research projects and programmes in the Netherlands, Europe, and globally. As an independent aerospace research institute, we conduct applied research, focusing on a practical approach and innovative solutions. These R&D cases provide an insight into the diverse range of research activities and the projects we have been involved.

Construction and Manufacturing

06 June 2025

R&D case: Laser ultrasonic inspection of complex-shaped composites

The manufacturing of complex-shaped composites is becoming increasingly common, driving up demand for fast automated quality control. Laser ultrasonic testing can be a viable technique to achieve this, as it is fast and contactless. However, it requires the inspected part to be perpendicular to the laser beam, posing a challenge for the positioning of the laser or part. Combining laser ultrasonics with optical 3D scanning can overcome this challenge and realise a fast automated quality assurance system for composite manufacturing.

Construction and Manufacturing

29 April 2025

R&D case: FLAPsense


FLAPsense project: optical sensor system for real- time proprotor FLAPping angle monitoring

Construction and Manufacturing

20 March 2025

R&D case: Enabling temperature control for large scale additive manufacturing

One of the main challenges of Large Scale 3D printing of high temperature thermoplastics is the control of the interface temperature – which determines the degree of bonding between consecutive layers. When the deposited material has cooled down in excess, poor adhesion is achieved between layers, leading to insufficient strength, delamination, cracking and part failure. If the material has not cooled down sufficiently, it won’t support the consecutive layers, therefore leading to print failure. The interface temperature control is especially important when attempting large scale prints and when processing semicrystalline thermoplastics.