In 2014, Frazer-Nash decided to bring AM capabilities in-house with Renishaw’s AM 250 system. Having worked closely with Renishaw since then, the company has now purchased the AM 400, which is currently used to produce metal parts.
One of Frazer-Nash’s most successful projects is for its customer Kwikbolt, which is one of only a few manufacturers in the world to produce a specific temporary fastening device that is used to align aircraft panels and fuselage during assembly. The component simplifies the manufacturing process and ensures that aerospace companies no longer require a bespoke tool for every panel, helping to reduce costs, improve precision and accelerate assembly.
To simplify the fastener’s manufacturing process, Frazer-Nash now additively manufactures the fasteners on Renishaw’s AM 400. By using AM instead of subtractive machining, the fasteners can be produced with custom geometries at comparatively lower cost.
“Through AM, Frazer-Nash is able to produce components cost effectively in small batch sizes,” explains Stuart Offer, AM sales manager at Renishaw. “In contrast to machining, no custom tooling is required, which results in improvements in speed and a reduction in manufacturing costs, particularly for such a difficult-to-machine part.”
Paul Mortlock, managing director at Frazer-Nash, adds: “The Kwikbolt project is a true AM success story. Using AM means we can easily produce a bespoke component based on each aerospace customer's requirements. Renishaw's AM systems have been flawless since we started working together.”
Frazer-Nash now produces 25,000 AM parts a year and has expanded its range of components.
“Over the past five years, we’ve developed a close partnership with Renishaw,” concludes Mortlock. “We originally chose to partner with Renishaw due to its support services, and we’ve found these to be invaluable.”
