Excellent fabrication for production of lightweight structures including hot forming, welding and AM

Purpose and goal

The project purposes has been fulfilled in which competitiveness increased through demonstrating that the companies together have the ability to handle and produce advanced lightweight aerospace components in a very accurate manner. A component has been manufactured through cold and hot forming, AM and laser welding which achieved tolerances for production according to “first time right”. A virtual Toolbox has been developed where methods and models can be used to support the development of manufacturing chains for new components and materials for the aviation and energy sector.

Expected results and effects

The successful outcome regarding model development, simulation-driven process development and hardware manufacturing has contributed to competence development and strengthens Brogren Industries and Rydverken´s role as comprehensive suppliers of fabricating aero engine components, but also parts for turbines applications. A workshop is planned both at GKN, and Siemens Energy where project results, capabilities and technology will be presented. Dialogue is planned in relation to new future collaborations and production assignments.

Planned approach and implementation

The project includes both theoretical and practical activities. The implementation has been based on the development and manufacture of fixtures, forming tools, measurement methods for DIC and process parameters supported by modeling and simulation. Throughout the work, simulation results have been correlated with experimental outcomes, which indicates very good agreement. The level of technology in the project is at a very high. Selected results will be presented in scientific articles for publication in international journals and conferences during 2024.