MTC launches aerospace AM hub and knowledge resource (Source: The MTC)
The UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre officially cut the ribbon on its aerospace metal additive manufacturing hub in Coventry yesterday.
Located at the MTC’s Aerospace Research Centre, the new hub includes design, research and test facilities for the entire AM process chain including metal AM, powder handling, and inspection capabilities. It complements the MTC' existing additive capabilities which includes polymer and ceramics systems based at its co-located National Centre for Additive Manufacturing.
The launch forms part of the MTC’s three-year £15 million DRAMA (Digital Reconfigurable Additive Manufacturing facilities for Aerospace) project which is encouraging the UK aerospace industry's supply chain to adopt AM technologies. With a flexible workspace, companies are able to use the facility to test products and processes in a virtual or physical environment. The project is said to have already received engaged from over 50 aerospace supply chain companies and is still inviting applications.
Dr Katy Milne, chief engineer for the DRAMA project at the MTC said: "Additive manufacture has the potential to revolutionise design approaches and supply chains. There are more than 4,000 companies involved in the aerospace industry, and there are current examples where aerospace primes have reduced the part count by an order of magnitude, this could be really disruptive for the existing supply chain. For companies who move into this space, there are major opportunities. Additive manufacturing offers the biggest opportunity since the introduction of composites. What we have learned from the DRAMA project is that collaboration is vital and everything we learn for aerospace can be transferred to other sectors."
Visitors were given a guided tour around the MTC's flexible metal additive manufacturing space.
Speaking during the grand unveiling, Professor Ken Young, Technology Director at the MTC said: "What we really want to do is get some impact out of additive and to get that impact it requires the industry to adopt it and use it in production and that’s not just the big primes, that’s all of the smaller players, all of the people who deliver into those and that’s really what this facility is about. The smaller companies can’t afford to go and set one of these up themselves, this gives them a chance to come here, use this kit, try it out, prove that it works before they go out and spend loads of money.
Commenting on the large team of engineers and collaborators behind the project, Young added: "The only way I think we’re going to keep UK manufacturing going is if we can use technology in ways that the rest of the world can’t and the only way that we’re going to do that is through our people."
The centre also formally launched its online AM resource which will provide expert knowledge on various AM processes, AM suitability, and training for all levels including face-to-face and remote learning. Participating companies can also receive advice on funding technology development.
The Innovate UK funded project is a collaborative effort supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute and partners including Renishaw, the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, ATS Applied Tech Systems, Autodesk, Granta Design, the National Physical Laboratory and the University of Birmingham.
