Aerospace is a key industry that uses additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for end-use parts. However, post-processing remains a barrier to adoption and scaling production. Rivelin Robotics has been developing an autonomous post-processing solution with its Netshape Robots to help metal AM users scale.
GKN Aerospace is a Tier 1 supplier, with customers including Airbus, Rolls Royce, and GE. The company has been maturing its metal AM production for more than a decade and developing technology for civil and military aerospace programs. Its current focus is using AM for reliable, sustainable, ready-to-use alternatives to castings and forgings within its engines business.
The Tier 1 supplier primarily uses powder bed fusion (PBF) technology and manually removes supports during post-processing. This manual work is often inaccurate and unrepeatable, varying widely across technicians. It can even result in part defects and non-conforming parts that require rework or a complete rebuild. This prevents the company from scaling to a quality-assured, economical process.
GKN Aerospace isn’t alone, however. Post-processing is a major bottleneck for any metal AM application. It’s labor-intensive and time-consuming, poses repeatability and quality control challenges, and yields long lead times and high costs. Such considerations are critical for regulated industries that must adhere to stringent compliance standards.
As part of an Innovate UK-funded program, Rivelin Robotics recently launched Project CAMPFIRE (Certified Additive Manufactured Parts Finished with Intelligent Robotics Engine) for regulated industries, such as aerospace. The company and GKN Aerospace are exploring autonomous support removal for complex aerospace parts. An automated solution aims to remove human interactions and improve repeatability and productivity.
Project CAMPFIRE has a 15-month runtime and includes non-aerospace partners, including Attenborough Medical and Materials Solutions (a Siemens Energy Business). Additionally, Yaskawa delivers robot and positioner cell solutions, and Saint Gobain Abrasives advises on the right tools for the finishing job.
Rivelin Robotics
rivelinrobotics.com
Filed Under: Make Parts Fast
