In 2014, Frazer-Nash decided to bring additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities in-house with a Renishaw AM 250 system.
Having worked closely with Renishaw since then, the company has now purchased an AM 400 (
www.renishaw.com/additive).
One of Frazer-Nash’s most successful projects is for its customer Kwikbolt, which is working to “revolutionise the assembly of aircraft” with a temporary fastening device that is used to align aircraft panels and fuselage during assembly.
The component simplifies the manufacturing process and ensures that aerospace companies no longer require a bespoke tool for every panel; it thereby helps to reduce costs, improve precision and shorten assembly times.
Moreover, by using AM instead of subtractive machining, the fasteners can be produced with ‘custom geometries’ at comparatively low cost.
Frazer-Nash’s managing director, Paul Mortlock, said: “Using AM means we can easily produce a bespoke component based
on each aerospace customer’s requirements.
“Renishaw’s AM systems have been flawless since we started working together. Frazer-Nash now produces 25,000 AM parts a year and has expanded its range of components.
“Over the last five years, we have developed a close partnership with Renishaw.
“We originally chose to partner with this company due to its support services, and we have found these to be invaluable.”