Renishaw
Renishaw CATEC RenAM 500M
Renishaw installs its latest RenAM 500M additive manufacturing system at CATEC
Renishaw has announced the installation of its RenAM 500M system at the Centre for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (CATEC) in Seville, Spain.
The global manufacturer of metal 3D printing systems launched the RenAM 500M at the 2015 formnext powered by tct. Though Renishaw has delivered this machine to a global audience in the 15 months since, CATEC’s purchase marks the first installation in the Iberian Peninsula.
CATEC is a technology centre that focuses on the promotion and development of R&D activities within the aerospace sector in Andalusia, actively developing new technologies and the transfer of best practices.
Renishaw and CATEC have long been partners and have collaborated on several projects to address manufacturing challenges within the aerospace sector. The companies are both involved- in the FUTURALVE project, which works to create new materials and advanced fabrication technologies for the new generation of high speed turbines. CATEC is working alongside Renishaw Iberica in the optimisation of manufacturing parameters of Inconel 718 and other nickel-based alloys for use in high temperature applications in such industries as aeronautics and automotive.
Renishaw
Renishaw CATEC RenAM 500M
The Centre for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (CATEC)
The RenAM 500M is a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing system designed specifically for the production of metal components on the factory floor. Featuring automated powder and waste handling systems that enable consistent process quality, the machine also allows a reduction in operator touch times and ensure high standards of system safety.
Since the aerospace industry works under pressure to reduce weight of its components without compromising safety or integrity, metal 3D printing technologies have a clear use. Using additive manufacturing parts can be lighter, helping to reduce the weight of the aircraft and, thus, fuel consumption. It seems CATEC will utilise Renishaw’s RenAM 500M for exactly those functions.
“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,” said Fernando Lasagni, Head of Materials and Processes Development at CATEC. “This involves parameterising various aeronautical alloys so that they can be manufactured to the highest quality standards.
“Due to the industrial strength of the RenAM 500M system, its increased manufacturing capacity 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 these steps in the development of applications, thereby reducing the unit costs of the components.”
