The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) has integrated laser metal deposition (LMD) technology with a CNC machine, creating “a unique platform” said to be the first of its kind in Scotland.
Providing an affordable way for SMEs to embrace additive manufacturing (AM), the LMD Hybrid platform shows that companies can retrofit existing CNC machines with AM at a lower cost than ‘off the shelf’ systems.
The machine was integrated by Derbyshire-based Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies (
www.hybridmanutech.com), which is a Tier Two partner at the AFRC. During the LMD process, metal powder is projected into the path of a high powered laser.
It is then melted onto a component or substrate in layers until the final desired geometry is achieved.
Thanks to its high build-up rate of material, LMD is frequently used to add features to an existing surface or to build products up from scratch.
The machine can also perform rotational cladding, which is commonly used for the application of corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant coatings — essential for high-performance components in sectors such as aerospace and oil and gas.
The LMD hybrid platform is suitable for remanufacturing parts that would otherwise be scrapped due to failing in service, wearing over time, or reaching the end of their life.
It is currently being used in a number of industry-focused research projects — including DigiTool, which seeks to rejuvenate the UK tool and die sector by supporting the uptake of remanufacturing using digital technologies.
The AFRC is hosting a free workshop on high-technology machining solutions on 28 and 29 August.
Further information is available at the Web site (
www.eventbrite.com/e/machining-scotland-tickets-60567887181).