Renishaw's latest additive manufacturing system installed at CATEC

CATEC is a technology centre that focuses its activity 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.

CATEC and Renishaw have long collaborated on various projects to address manufacturing challenges within the aerospace sector. An example of this close collaboration between both companies is their involvement in the FUTURALVE project which receives funding from the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology, a public organisation for technology development in Spain. CATEC is working alongside Renishaw Ibérica in the optimisation of manufacturing parameters of Inconel 718 and other nickel-based alloys for use in high temperature applications in different sectors, such as aeronautics and automotive.

The RenAM 500M is a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing system designed specifically for the production of metal components on the factory floor. It features automated powder and waste handling systems that enable consistent process quality, reduce operator touch times and ensure high standards of system safety.

The aerospace industry works under pressure to reduce the weight of its components without compromising safety or integrity. Using additive manufacturing parts can be lighter, helping to reduce the weight of the aircraft and, consequently, fuel consumption.

“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 parameterizing 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 (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.”