Abstract
The Flex-TOOL project will tackle a global solution for an innovative hybrid manufacturing process that will combine Laser Material Deposition additive manufacturing technique with 5 axis milling, in order to produce medium-large-scale forming tooling. The solution combines two antithetical processes: the additive manufacturing by LMD (Laser Metal Deposition) and the machining by chip removal. This approach allows building complex die and molds, repairing damaged tools or even building internal cooling channels by means of the LMD process. On the other hand, the subsequent machining of the part in the same machine enables to obtain the final accuracy and roughness requirements without changing the fixture of the part. Moreover, only one machine-tool is required for the whole process instead of a separate cell for LMD and a finishing milling machine. The project focuses on the tooling industry, which is a key sector within the European economy due to its proximity to the automotive sector. In this way, a high impact of the project is expected in this industry, considering the additive manufacturing as a real game changer in the design and manufacturing process of this type of components. Therefore, the project will finish with a global and specific solution for the implementation of new-concept hybrid machine tools in the tooling industry, including a specific CAD/CAM/CAE solution and a final validation of the system.
Consortium

COORDINATOR

IBARMIA

PARTNERS

HKS Forge

Institute of Production Technologies – FMST SUT

Tecnalia

UPV/EHU

ModuleWorks