Renishaw installs latest metal Additive Manufacturing system at CATEC
March 22, 2017
Centre for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (CATEC), Seville, Spain (Courtesy Renishaw)
Renishaw, Gloucester, UK, has announced the installation of a RenAM 500M metal Additive Manufacturing system at the Centre for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (CATEC), Seville, Spain. This marks the first installation of the company’s new metal Additive Manufacturing system on the Iberian Peninsula.
CATEC is a technology centre focused on the promotion and development of R&D activities and the development of new technologies and best practices in the Andalusian aerospace sector. The centre has previously collaborated with Renishaw on various projects addressing manufacturing challenges in the aerospace sector.
The companies are currently collaborating on the FUTURALVE project, funded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology, a public organisation for technology development in Spain. CATEC is reportedly working alongside Renishaw Ibérica to optimise the manufacturing parameters of Inconel 718 and other nickel-based alloys for use in high-temperature applications in different sectors, such as aeronautics and automotive.
“CATEC is actively working on the development of aerospace applications with Additive Manufacturing technology, covering all the stages of the production cycle to support companies in the implementation of this technology. This involves parameterising various aeronautical alloys so that they can be manufactured to the highest quality standards,” stated Fernando Lasagni, Head of Materials and Processes Development at CATEC.
“Due to the industrial strength of the RenAM 500M system, its increased manufacturing capacity (in volume) and the high power of the laser (500W), the short-term objective will be to achieve manufacturing parameters that ensure the aeronautical quality of the materials. We expect to take steps in the development of applications, thereby reducing the unit costs of the components,” added Lasagni.
