Oxford Performance Materials win second round of investment from Hexcel Corp.

Advanced materials science and high performance additive manufacturer Oxford Performance Materials Inc. (OPM) has closed an additional round of strategic investment from Hexcel Corp. In May 2016, OPM and Hexcel announced an initial investment from Hexcel of $15 million. The second round of investment from Hexcel is $10 million.

OPM develops proprietary material, process, and application technologies. Its aerospace & industrial business unit applies 3D printing technology and high performance additive manufacturing (HPAM) to produce functional end-use parts that combine structural strength, enhanced performance, weight reduction, and time-to-market benefits.

Connecticut-based Hexcel Corp. offers advanced composites technology with worldwide manufacturing locations. OPM Aerospace & Industrial use Hexcel carbon fiber in the production of OPM’S 3D printed OXFAB–ESD advanced thermoplastic structural parts for its aerospace, satellite & defense programs. www.oxfordpm.com

Renishaw installs latest additive manufacturing (AM) system at CATEC

In March, Renishaw installed the RenAM 500M at the Centre for Advanced Aerospace Technologies (CATEC) in Seville, Spain. It is the first installation of this additive manufacturing (AM) machine in the Iberian Peninsula.

CATEC promotes and development of R&D activities within the aerospace sector in Andalusia, actively developing new technologies and the transfer of best practices.

CATEC is working alongside Renishaw Ibérica in the optimization of manufacturing parameters of Inconel 718 and other nickel-based alloys for use in high-temperature applications in different sectors.

The RenAM 500M is a laser powder bed fusion AM system designed for metal components on the factory floor. It features automated powder and waste handling systems that enable consistent process quality, reduce operator touch times, and ensure high standards of system safety.

“CATEC is actively working on the development of aerospace applications with additive manufacturing technology, covering all the stages of the production cycle to support companies in the implementation of this technology,” says Fernando Lasagni, head of materials and processes development at CATEC. “This involves parameterizing various aeronautical alloys so that they can be manufactured to the highest quality standards. Due to the industrial strength of the RenAM 500M system, its increased manufacturing capacity (in volume), and the high power of the laser (500W), the short-term objective will be to achieve manufacturing parameters that ensure the aeronautical quality of the materials. We expect to take steps in the development of applications, thereby reducing the unit costs of the components.” www.catec.aero/en; www.renishaw.com

Stratasys, Dassult Systems partner on 3D design software

Stratasys Ltd. is partnering with Dassault Systèmes to provide design tools that improve the functionality, efficiency, and weight ratio of additively manufactured production parts. The companies have collaborated on design and simulation capabilities for Dassault Systèmes’ 3DExperience platform which support Stratasys’ FDM 3D printers and materials.

“For additive manufacturing to reach its true potential, engineers need tools that will allow them to harness the virtually limitless geometric freedom that it provides. By fully simulating the unique characteristics of the FDM process, we’re able to bring unprecedented accuracy and speed to design and validation,” says Scott Berkey, CEO, Simulia, Dassault Systèmes. www.stratasys.com; www.3ds.com