Public Funding for Thinklaser Limited

This project combines Thinklaser's expertise in laser systems and mechanised product positioning gained over 20 years in the component marking sector and more recently additive layer manufacture, with TISICS' extensive experience in silicon carbide fibre production and metal matrix composites gained since the team started in 1988. A need has been identified for fibre reinforced aluminium composite structures in space, defence and civil aircraft components. The exceptionally high mechanical properties SiC fibre reinforcement imparts to the aluminium has resulted in an Al6061 material with 1200Mpa Tensile Strength and 1600MPa compression strength and 150GPa modulus. This exceeds titanium alloys whilst retaining the density of aluminium. The main components of interest are tubular structures such as pressure vessels and robotic arms for space and defence as wells as ribs and landing gear linkages and other flight actuators for aircraft. However current foil and fibre manufacturing techniques are not suitable and a new composite wire system is required which this project will deliver along with the equipment and processes to mould these target, high value light weight components.

The RAPIDPART Project will deliver step change reductions in the manufacturing cost of laser powder bed deposition, or Selective Laser Melting (SLM), by significantly increasing the build rate of the process. The targeted 500% increase in productivity will enable this high value, flexible and environmentally-friendly process to become commercially viable for a more widespread range of applications, giving the UK a technical advantage and world lead in laser additive manufacture.