ECO-LASERFACT has a double objective: 1. to facilitate the know-how transfer for improved eco-friendly and cost effective laser based processes from leading Research Performers to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). and 2. to federate NWE Research Performers (i.e.. R&D Centres and Universities) that are involved on laser micro-manufacturing. This approach is expected to stimulate greater entrepreneurship and translation of innovation and knowledge into fully marketable products. processes and services. With the help and services provided by NWE laser Institutes the SMEs will be able to validate solutions based on the latest advances in laser micro-manufacturing to produce highly functional and innovative products by an easy and cost effective access to on-demand processing and equipment. The project gives the opportunity to SMEs for gaining experience in micro-fabrication in the context of their specific application requirements. A platform for feasibility tests. based on the specific equipments available in the laboratories of the Research Performers. is offered within WP4. The undertaken coordinated actions shall improve the competitiveness of manufacturing NWE based companies via the implementation of a more flexible. reduced cost and eco-friendly approach for production of high-tech goods. The strategy adopted is well in-line with the recommendations given by the European Union in its Economic Recovery Plan. i.e. "to increase the use of technology in manufacturing in order to help EU manufacturers across sectors. SMEs particularly. to adapt to global competitive pressure by increasing the technological base of EU manufacturing through the development and integration of the enabling technologies of the future. such as engineering technologies for adaptable machines and industrial processes. ICT. and advanced materials" (excerpt from European Economic Recovery Plan. Brussels 26.11.2008. COM(2008) 800) Achievements: Ecolaserfact has for mission to facilitate the know-how transfer for cost effective laser based processes from research organizations to SMEs. We support SMEs located in North-West Europe to validate solutions based on the latest advances in laser micro-manufacturing to produce highly functional and innovative products with an easy and cost effective access to on-demand processing and equipment. We give the opportunity to SMEs to gain experience in micro-fabrication in the context of their specific application requirements. This will result in raising the technical know-how for the production of high-tech products and improve competitiveness.For more details and information, please visit our website www.ecolaserfact.eu.FREE online servicesWe offer free online tools to show laser capabilities to tackle most of the technical problems of laser micro-machining. More than 88 applications on different materials were identified that allowed a better understanding of laser micro-manufacturing technologies. FREE feasibility studies for the benefit of SMEsWe offer free feasibility studies for the benefit of SMEs for testing materials laser processing. We help you to define the most efficient technical solution and realize your first demonstration samples. Any SME can make multiple requests in the same call. More than 25 feasibility studies leading to functional samples have been already done.FREE Training courses, Workshops, and InfodaysLaser industrial materials processing trainings are essential for a good understanding of laser technology and perfect control of laser materials micro processes. These training courses are free of charge and open to all interested parties. We present an introduction to laser security and a detailed overview of laser micro-manufacturing technologies.Trainings deal with ultra-short pulse laser micro-machining, laser milling, surface texturing/structuring, master-making process chains, and laser micro-welding. More than 20 events have already taken place all over Europe with more than 400 participants. The main difference between workshops and infodays consists in their technical content. The workshops address an educated audience, i.e. SMEs already working in laser manufacturing. The objective here is to strengthen their relations with the Research Performers of Ecolaserfact. The infodays address the interested general public, i.e. a wide panel of SMEs that might be using laser technologies or not yet. Follow our news on the NWE Interreg Website or on www.ecolaserfact.eu. Promotion of laser technologiesThe promotion of laser technologies are not only dedicated to scientists or experts. We propose to the large public to know more about new applications that will have a future impact on the lives of citizens. Through examples and demonstrations we demonstrate that lasers are already used to facilitate our daily life, and to improve the manufacturing processes while improving the ecological impact of the companies.