Renishaw (www.renishaw.com) — a global manufacturer of metal 3-D printing machines — has installed one of its RenAM 500M systems at the Centre for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (CATEC) in Seville, Spain. This is the first installation of the new machine in the region.

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.

CATEC and Renishaw have long collaborated on various projects to address manufacturing challenges within the aerospace sector.

CATEC is 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.

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 ensure consistent process quality, reduce operator ‘touch times’ and high standards of system safety.

Additive manufacturing allows parts to be lighter, helping to reduce the weight of aircraft and, consequently, fuel consumption.

Fernando Lasagni, head of materials and processes development at CATEC, said: “We are 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. The short-term objective will be to achieve manufacturing parameters that ensure the aeronautical quality of the materials.”