PRODUCT REVIEWS TITAN 3D printer at BIEMH
The Tekniker technology centre , a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance ( BRTA ), was at the International Machine Tool Biennial Exhibition ( BIEMH ) this June in Bilbao . It showcased the most recent developments in its main R & D areas relating to advanced manufacturing , surfaces , materials and ICTs for production .
At this year ’ s BIEMH exhibition ( from 3-7 June 2024 ) at BEC in Barakaldo ( Bizkaia , Spain ), the technology centre focused on the TITAN machine , a sizeable 6100mm x 3100mm x 3420mm 3D printer that will be assembled on the stand itself . Standing over three metres tall , TITAN is used to manufacture very large metallic structures characterised by complex geometries .
To do so , the equipment ( designed and developed by Tekniker ) uses laser technology and , more specifically , a Direct- Energy Deposition ( DED ) technique that deposits energy directly in the form of a metal wire .
The machine features a controlled atmosphere enclosure to simulate different environmental conditions . This feature , explained Tekniker , makes the TITAN suitable for sectors such as aeronautics , shipbuilding or space missions for operations to be carried out in extreme climates .
Carlos Soriano , a Tekniker researcher , added : “ TITAN is innovative and advanced manufacturing equipment fully developed by Tekniker to produce large parts that incorporate a range of metal alloys to withstand extreme operating conditions . Consequently , we showcased a rocket engine nozzle currently being manufacturing on a machine that simulates environmental conditions on the planet , Mars .”
Visitors to the technology centre ’ s stand not only saw the machine itself but also several components produced by the DED metal wire technique ( such as propellers or spheres ).
62 | ismr . net | ISMR June 2024
Collaborative robotics , AR and surfaces
During BIEMH 2024 , Tekniker also used its stand to present a collaborative and flexible robotic cell performing a ‘ bin- picking ’ process . The robot picked up parts on a lateral loading tray in complete disarray that , once detected , were placed in an orderly pattern and as close as possible to the point of exit .
The solution features several technologies developed by Tekniker that enable natural human-robot interactions in different production environments . One of the key features is the SmartPicking software that uses 3D vision to guide the robot and pick up the right parts . Another is the “ Proximity Detector ” software that sets the distance for operators to guarantee their personal safety .
The demonstrator also showcased HoloLens augmented reality ( AR ) goggles to simulate the robot ’ s working environment and monitor its movements . Digital twin technology will make it possible to compare the robot physically with its projection on the device .
The solutions presented by Tekniker at BIEMH were complemented by the organisation ’ s capabilities in terms of the surfaces and materials produced for parts employing the DED metal wire technique . Users saw parts with different coatings and surface finishes .
“ It was possible to see how advanced tribological materials have been developed by combining excellent properties that enhance tribological and mechanical performance and generate energy density ,” concluded Tekniker .
Tekniker is a technology centre specialising in advanced manufacturing , surface and product engineering , as well as ICTs for manufacturing . It is based at Gipuzkoa , Spain , and was established as a non-profitmaking foundation in 1995 .
The current Governing Board is made up of 22 members : eight institutions and 14 companies . n
JUNE 2024
SUBSCRIBE
ISMR Website
Email our Editor
Promotion / Advertising
General Enquiries
www . tekniker . es / en
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR : Charlie Wise CONSULTANT : Jon Fellows EDITOR : Sara Waddington
GLOBAL COMMERCIAL MANAGER : Bobby Bagha PRINT CONSULTANT : Jamie Ringrose
DESIGN : Wroxy Meredith
International Sheet Metal Review is published 10 times per year by IN2 Publishing Ltd , on behalf of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions Ltd . ( now RX ) © Mack-Brooks Exhibitions Limited .
IN2 PUBLISHING LTD UNIT 2A OAKLANDS COURT , TIVERTON BUSINESS PARK , TIVERTON WAY , TIVERTON , EX16 6TG .
IN2
Publishing
Email IN2 Publishing
ISSN 1471-6542 While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication , Mack Brooks Exhibitions / RX , In2Publishing Ltd and the editor cannot accept liability for any statement or error contained herein . © ISMR 2024
ISMR would like to thank Unsplash . com ( Gelmis Bartulis ) for the cover image .