The Eurecat technology centre is presenting three new innovative technologies for zero-defect manufacturing while also cutting energy use and preventing material wastage in production processes at the Advanced Factories trade fair. The goal is to furnish the industrial sector with solutions which improve efficiency and sustainability.
“These are technological innovations which deliver greater flexibility, reliability and efficiency in production processes, a key aspect for companies to be more productive and sustainable given the challenges posed by the current geopolitical situation,” says Xavier López, Eurecat’s Chief Operating and Corporate Officer.
Specifically, Eurecat is showcasing at Advanced Factories two 3D printers developed entirely by its researchers and technologists based on flexible, reconfigurable and hybrid systems which have led to several patents. One of them has been devised for use in biocomponent manufacturing while the other is designed for the industrial sector as it includes technology for additive and mechanised manufacturing in a single manufacturing cell.
Eurecat is also unveiling new breakthroughs in ISF (Incremental Sheet Forming) technology in which it is a world leader. This technology makes it possible to manufacture sheet metal parts with complex shapes for prototypes, single parts or short runs in industries such as the automotive, aeronautics or railway sectors at highly competitive costs.
“In addition to being at the forefront in proprietary additive manufacturing technologies, Eurecat has also developed an innovative system for advanced sheet metal manufacturing which means it can bring companies three basic drivers that clearly point towards sustainability in terms of energy, elimination of surplus materials and zero-defect manufacturing,” adds Xavier Plantà, director of Eurecat’s Industrial Area.
Smart technologies to produce defect-free parts
Using artificial intelligence in these processes “means we can achieve high quality parts the first time round without having to run several tests as was the case with previous manufacturing processes,” points out Eva Fité, head of Business Development in Manufacturing Industries at Eurecat.
This “ensures good manufacturing and product quality, a critical aspect in the case of products including multiple parts such as household appliances as it saves costs resulting from potential defects with a direct impact on cutting costs coupled with a big effect on sustainability.”
Innovative hydrogen technologies to decarbonise industry
Eurecat is also developing innovative technologies to expedite the decarbonisation of industry in the hydrogen value chain, from production, storage and distribution to its use as energy or raw material, which help to make companies more sustainable and competitive.
It has state-of-the-art laboratories and technological infrastructures available to businesses for testing and scaling up new technologies to produce, store and convert this energy carrier and is additionally engaged in a number of innovative projects.
