NAME ADDITOLA: Laser metal Cladding cell LMD based on ABB robot and two work tables
The ADDITOLA laser metal cladding cell consists of an ABB robot with six degrees of freedom and two work tables, one large fixed one (1100x700) for working on heavy-weight and bulky components and another smaller one (ABB) with 2 additional degrees of freedom (+/- 180° of the arm and infinite on the chuck), with a maximum load capacity of 500 kg, for creating more complex geometries (see image above). This installation makes it possible to create new parts from a metal base, repair high added-value components, add layers of different materials such as coatings and create new geometries on other base parts, using different metal materials in powder form. For post-processing of the parts, a set of machining centres is available in the process workshop. The cell is isolated from the outside environment by means of an enclosure that complies with all the safety regulations required for this type of processes (see image above). Programming and control of the entire system is done with the ABB joystick. The installation consists of the equipment and components listed in the following table. The creation of the solid is achieved by melting the metal powder, when the laser focalisation through the optical fibre converges at one point with the metal powder fed from the OERLIKON powder dispenser and conveyed by argon gas, and the argon itself.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
AM process validation
AM/3D Printing Process
Design for AM and Digital pre-processing
Materials for 3D/AM
Post process
Supporting technologies and processes
MOST OUTSTANDING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS
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2-axis rotary table
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ABB IRB 2600 industrial robot and its control device
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Laser generator ROFIN FL010 of 1kW and LOTEC cooling equipment
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OERLICON TWIN metal powder feeder with twin tank
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PRECITECH laser head
SERVICES OFFERED BY THE ASSET
Disseminating technology through technical or general conferences
Disseminate additive manufacturing technology as a whole (process, machines, capacities, markets, etc.) holding theoretical-practical workshops, with the asset itself as a work tool.
Process innovation for AM and technical-economic feasibility study of processes
Analysis and technical-economic validation of alternative manufacturing processes to the current ones, such as additive manufacturing, both for making and repairing parts, as well as for geometric modification of existing parts. The service is developed jointly with the customer.
Search for suppliers for part production using additive manufacturing
After defining the industrialisation process, either using only AM technology or merged with other processes, search for suppliers for series production.
Specific training addressed at Vocational Training students
Training activities related to Additive Manufacturing technology in Vocational Training. The asset is the basic training tool.
Specific training addressed at Vocational Training teachers
A set of educational activities related to Additive Manufacturing technology aimed at improving competences of teachers. The asset is the basic training tool.
Specific training for company technicians through job training
Training related to Additive Manufacturing technology aimed at technicians from companies that do currently not have the technology, and merging this technology in their production processes would bring them a competitive advantage, or at companies that already work with this technology.
Studies of industrialisation, first series and interdependence with other processes
- Study of the industrialisation of a new part reference or redesigned part using additive manufacturing technology. - Integration of additive manufacturing processes in the productive chains, merging them with the current processes.
ENTITY MANAGING THE ASSET
Contact person:
Xabier Cearsolo Aramberri
cearsolo@imh.eus