Metal deposition through additive manufacturing methods

Purpose and goal

The goals of the project is that the technologies and methods developed in this project will permit the consortium partners to design lighter components with similar or improved properties, and also to develop methods of implementation of rMDw or DMD to significantly decrease the time and energy consumption of manufacturing. We estimate that the component weight savings 20% and/or that the total cost is decreased by 20% by the use of rMDw. The results will be implemented in the industry within the five years stipulated by the call.

Expected results and effects

The potential is centred around forged components. If a simpler forging could be used as a substrate for rMDw manufactured features or if the component is made wholly by rMDw significant weight could be reduced. And if the geometry is optimised not for what forgings are possible to make, but rather what geometries are best for the service of the component, great savings can be made. The potential is also centered on the addition of features to simpler extrusions. Typical application of rMDw and DMD will be to add fasteners, fillers or stiffening/strengthening features to profiles.

Planned approach and implementation

The proposed work packages (WP) in this proposal works together to permit a greater whole. WP1 deals with the benchmarking of rMDw and DMD. This is essential to the companies in the project since this is a new technology. Thus, strategies for the best way to introduce the technology are needed and the benchmarking WP will provide for these strategies. WP2 is applying production methods to DMD or rMDw of high strength steels. WP3 relates to DMD or rMDw of aluminium alloys and to investigate the possibility of using it for in tailoring alloy strips. WP4 deal with project management.