Delcam Joins ALM Partnership

Delcam has partnered with Cranfield University, Airbus Group and the University of Bath in a project focused on the use of additive layer manufacturing (ALM) for producing titanium alloy aircraft components. The project, which began at the Cranfield University Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre in January 2014, is examining the industrial potential of rolling-assisted wire feed direct deposition for production of high-value aerospace components (RAWFEED).

The RAWFEED process uses a welding torch to deposit a continuous bead of material on a titanium baseplate, creating the first layer of the component. This layer is allowed to cool and then rolled to enhance the material’s properties. The process is repeated until the required 3D shape is completed. According to Delcam, the ALM process could reduce waste in the manufacture of titanium components and increase production speed compared to components manufactured using conventional methods. Managed by Airbus and supported by the UK Technology Strategy Board, the research aims to validate a cost model and define the machine architecture and specification to exploit the industrial potential of this emerging technology.

Researchers at Cranfield are using a large friction-stir welding machine as the test bed for the project. Delcam is providing the control software, while the University of Bath’s Laboratory for Integrated Metrology Applications will develop a measuring system to help control and assure quality in the process.