Fiber3D (European Project)

To meet low-carbon targets, Europe relies on over 250,000 km of railway, 25,000 km of hydrogen pipelines, more than 100 nuclear plants and emerging technologies like small modular reactors. Heavier use of existing assets and stricter design demands make continuous material health monitoring essential, yet most critical parts use high-strength, high-melting-point metals that rule out sensor integration by welding or casting. FIBER3D solves this by pairing optical fiber sensors, which measure temperature and strain along their length, with advanced spraying and 3D printing, producing sensors that can be welded onto existing surfaces or embedded in new metal parts. Its consortium unites world-leading experts in photonics, chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, thermo-mechanics, applied mathematics and mechanical design. By enabling real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, FIBER3D will prevent failures and boost the safety, sustainability and competitiveness of key industries.