R&D for more competitive machine tools
25-05-2016
The IK4-TEKNIKER technology centre will present its Advanced Manufacturing capabilities at the Machine Tool Biennial with demonstration units covering metrology, collaborative robotics, additive manufacturing, cryogenic manufacturing and industrial maintenance
The IK4-TEKNIKER centre, specialised in developing innovative solutions for the industrial sector and a reference in the field of machine tools and capital goods, will have an outstanding presence at the 29th edition of the Spanish Machine Tools Exhibition (BIEMH), an event where it will display its Advanced Manufacturing capabilities.
The Basque centre, that addresses the manufacturing of mechatronic products and machine tools from an integral perspective, researches and develops technologies applied to manufacturing environments to further industrial competitiveness.
IK4-TEKNIKER will use BIEMH to showcase it progress in terms of metrology, industrial maintenance, additive manufacturing, cryogenic machining and collaborative robotics, fields that are essential to consolidate Advanced Manufacturing in the environment of Industry 4.0, a new paradigm for the industry that is based on transferring technology rapidly to productive environments.
Advanced Manufacturing is considered to be one of the strategic pillars in the economic development of Western powers and is a key element to guarantee competitiveness in the processing industry.
Metrology without physical patterns
It will be at the next edition of BIEMH where IK4-TEKNIKER will show its capabilities in the field of metrology, a key element in precision manufacturing.
In this regard, the centre is currently engaged in obtaining a certificate awarded by the National Accreditation Body (ENAC) applicable to the calibration of medium and large size Coordinate Measuring Machines (with axial lengths ranging between 1,500 and 13,500 mm) by means of laser technology.
By means of this technology, that replaces physical patterns, it is possible to meet the requirement of finding more accurate mechanisms in the calibration process with shorter machine downtimes.
Robot-person collaboration
In addition, IK4-TEKNIKER will present its contribution in the field of collaborative robotics, a key area of specialisation to give more flexibility to industrial production processes.
In order to further the construction of collaborative scenarios, the technology centre will show a kit of components used to assemble tailor-made robots adapted to the needs of each user and a prototype developed for their validation with which visitors will be able to interact.
Advanced Manufacturing Processes
Another of the essential disciplines connected to the development of Advanced Manufacturing in which the technology centre will showcase its expertise is related to cryogenic machining, a process that, when applied to milling and turning operations, increases the efficiency of these processes and reduces environmental impacts.
Cryogenic machining uses fluids such liquid nitrogen reaching -196 ºC, or CO2, that can reach -78 ºC. The regular application of cryogenic fluids to cutting processes is linked to advanced materials and special, highly expensive cutting tools.
Laser Metal Deposition to manufacture parts with more freedom
The other subject matter in which IK4-TEKNIKER will present new developments is Additive Manufacturing, a technology that allows users to generate free geometry structures and parts by successively depositing layers of material.
The technology centre will present five parts for different industrial sectors, such as moulds and dies or aeronautics manufactured by means of Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) technique that is based on melting metallic powder that is injected on the surface of a substrate to generate 3D structures.
Industrial maintenance and Industry 4.0
Finally, IK4-TEKNIKER will showcase its new developments in the field of industrial maintenance, an essential discipline for industry 4.0 and Advanced Manufacturing as it allows systems to bet implemented that anticipate failures, schedule shutdowns, extend equipment availability and reduce costs related to repairs, maintenance and operation.
In collaboration with ULMA Carretillas Elevadoras, IK4-TEKNIKER has developed a comprehensive fleet management solution providing remote monitoring of vital parameters to improve the use, maintenance and operating life of fork-lift trucks.
The technology centre’s exhibition space at the 29th edition of BIEMH will be located in hall 1 , between aisles B19 and C20.