With the XVIII S2P Conference now concluded, FLASH & DILAPRO Project Workshop, Bridging Laser Manufacturing and Digital Twins for Smarter Tooling Sytems, was a successful moment of exchange on advanced manufacturing, creating space for a broad range of views and perspectives on the topics discussed.

By bringing together the complementary approaches of FLASH - Flexible Laser-based manufacturing through precision photon distribution and DILAPRO Project, the workshop highlighted the value of project synergies in addressing industrial challenges from different but connected angles. While FLASH Project, presented by Gaetano Patrimia (Altform) contributed perspectives linked to laser technologies and next-generation manufacturing approaches, DILAPRO Project, presented by Ana Queirós (EWF), reinforced the role of digitalisation and digital twins in supporting smarter and more connected production environments.

The session was structured around three main topics: “Integrating In Situ Inspection into Non-Destructive Testing Protocols for Optimised Advanced Manufacturing Outcomes,” presented by Bernard Revaz (AMiquam); “Beyond Conventional Machining: Laser Technologies,” explored by Gaetano Patrimia (AltForm | formerly Prima Additive by Sodick); and “Integrating Digital Twins into Advanced Laser Manufacturing,” addressed by Riccardo Tonello (Danish Technological Institute).

The plenary discussion further strengthened the session by opening space for key questions, including:
• Can in-situ inspection during laser tool repair reduce or replace traditional post-process NDT for safety-critical structural components?
• How can sensor data be used to adjust process parameters and prevent porosity before a part cools?
• How can NDT protocols help mitigate residual stresses in die casting tools and final products?
• How accurately can a digital twin simulate the thermal and residual stresses introduced by both die casting and laser repair processes?
• What are the main barriers preventing traditional casting environments from adopting digital twin workflows - data collection, cost, or skills?

We would also like to extend a special thank you to the S2PConference organisation, and in particular to Ahmed Rassili, the Scientific Committee and the Organising Committee, for making this valuable exchange possible.