Open Architecture Additive Manufacturing project investigates DED for aerospace

August 14, 2018

Open Architecture Additive Manufacturing project investigates DED for aerospace

Directed Energy Deposition metal Additive Manufacturing in action (Courtesy TWI Ltd)

 

Independent research and technology organisation TWI Ltd, Cambridge, UK, is leading the Open Architecture Additive Manufacturing (OAAM) project, with partners including Airbus, Autodesk, Cranfield University, Glenalmond Group, University of Bath, University of Manchester and University of Stratchclyde. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the ability to manufacture large metallic components using metal Additive Manufacturing for the benefit of UK aerospace.

The OAAM programme plans to develop Directed Energy Deposition (DED) AM technologies that can be scaled up for the manufacture of components at the multi-metre scale. Working with the project partners, TWI will create three DED AM process platforms to enable aerospace manufacturers and their supply chains to develop advanced AM manufacturing concepts in the following fields:

  • Arc-wire / Laser-wire AM – Cranfield University
  • Electron Beam wire AM – TWI Cambridge
  • Laser-powder / laser-wire AM – TWI Yorkshire Technology Centre

Each of these systems is expected to offer unique AM capabilities and address a number of common needs such as scalable architecture solutions, with common CAD/CAM control interfacing, integrated process steps (NDT, machining, inspection, cold-work, etc.) as necessary for optimum implementation to aerospace requirements, and the ability to additively manufacture aerospace components to TRL 6 or MCRL 4/5. Each system will be made available to UK industry.

TWI commented that this will offer the UK aerospace sector access to next-generation manufacturing with a simplified, lower risk route to support AM’s industrialisation and rapidly deploy into aircraft platforms. It also foresees a substantial amount of results overspill into other sectors such as the energy and marine industries.

The project is supported by Innovate UK and began in January 2018. It is expected to run for three years in total.

www.twi-global.com

2022 Winter Metal AM

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • What happens when you take the powder out of AM? Charting the rise of wire-based DED with WAAM3D
  • Smart sensor-integrated parts by AM: A look at a novel possibility with industrial applications
  • Tailored materials for AM: How a 'powder kit' can achieve greater material diversity with fewer resources in PBF-LB
  • QuesTek's ICMD: Faster, cheaper, and better alloy development for Additive Manufacturing
  • NanoAL: Alloy development on an open parameter PBF-LB machine, from installation through to Rapid Alloy Screening
  • Using the Six Sigma method to optimise metal powder spreading in PBF-LB
  • Insights from R&D to part production: How CT analysis can advance metal Binder Jetting
  • Corrosion and wear resistence of materials processed by beam-based AM technologies

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

News from the industry…

    News from the industry…

    Discover our magazine archive…

    The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

    • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
    • Articles on technology and application trends
    • Information on materials developments
    • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
    • International industry news

    All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

    Browse the archive

    Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

    Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

    • AM machines
    • Process monitoring & calibration
    • Heat treatment & sintering
    • HIP systems & services
    • Pre- & post-processing technology
    • Powders, powder production and analysis
    • Part manufacturers
    • Consulting, training & market data
    Download PDF
    Share via
    Copy link
    Powered by Social Snap